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TTHHEE PPRROO WWRREESSTTLLIINNGG OOVVEERR--SSEELLLL™ a newsletter for those who want more Issue #1 Monthly Pro Editorials & Analysis April 2011 For the 27th time... An in-depth look at WrestleMania XXVII Monthly

Top of the Underscore

It's that time of year when we anything is responsible for getting captures ROH World begin to talk about the forthcoming WrestleMania past one million buys, WrestleMania, an event that is never it's going to be a combination of Tile in a ─ the story that makes the short of talking points. We speculate things. Maybe it'll be the appearances title change significant where it will rank on a long, storied list of stars from the of of highs and lows. We wonder what will wrestling mixed in with the newly Shocking, unexpected surprises seem happen on the show itself and gossip established stars that generate the to come few and far between, especially in the about our own ideas and theories. The need to see the pay-per-view. Perhaps year 2011. One of those moments happened on road to WreslteMania 27 has been a that selling point is the man that lit March 19 in the Manhattan Center of New York bumpy one filled with both anticipation the WrestleMania fire, The Rock. City. Eddie Edwards became the fifteenth Ring and discontent, elements that make the ─ So what match should go on of Honor World Champion after defeating April 3 spectacular in one of the last? Oddly enough, that's a question in what was described as an more newsworthy stories of the year. is usually never answered until the “awesome back and forth main event.” It has been a show is underway. The three This was decade since the obvious choices would be the completely unanticipated WrestleMania that is WWE Title match, given that Roderick Strong regarded as one of, if World Title match or the had title matches lined up not the best installment showdown between The on future shows, to date. WrestleMania Undertaker and Triple particularly on iPPV during X-7 from , H. The anticipation of WrestleMania weekend. on April 1, 2001 what will come of The This seemed like it would has been touted as the Rock's participation as just be another [very good] greatest all-around guest host of the show, title defense from Strong WrestleMania by fans coupled with his involvement that would stay at just that. and critics alike. It had in and The only thing one would hope for is everything a feud makes the WWE that Edwards could come out looking like he WrestleMania should Title match stand alone should one day be ROH World Champion. That have from the as the headline match-up. ‘one day’ was Manhattan IV. perfect setting to the unparalleled The WWE To stay that Edwards’ stock rose in line-up of big matches of great Champion, The Miz enters his second 2010 would be an understatement. He was action and drama. WrestleMania in the biggest having some of his best matches alongside It looked good going in, and circumstance of his wrestling career in the very successful American most importantly, looked even better with everything to prove. The Wolves . In Feb. of 2010, he was coming out. It's a show that is hard to challenger, John Cena will be entering crowned the first ROH Television Champion, duplicate, and for good reason. Quite his eighth consecutive WrestleMania, having defeated Davey Richards in the finals of simply, it delivered and then some. only having lost one time. This match the tournament. After the Wolves went more in That is what is expected of a show that has been hinted at since late last year, a singles direction, Eddie Edwards was pegged is looked upon as the premiere really becoming obvious when The as one of the guys to keep your eyes on in 2011 wrestling and entertainment happening Miz sneakily eliminated John Cena with fans really getting behind him. of the year. Does this year's from the match in Jan. WrestleMania have what it takes to with the intent of not having to face Continued on Page 7 be...electrifying? Cena at WrestleMania. That plan The main event is often the backfired when Cena won a number Between the ropes: most talked about attraction of not just one contender's match in Feb. inside ●'Mania hype...pgs. 2-7 ● Tweets...pg. 9 WrestleMania, but any wrestling show. of the , ● DVD Review...pg. 8 ● A Look Back...pg. 10 Though, the main event alone isn't the ● The Road Ahead...pg. 8 ● PPV Review...pg. 11 main selling point of this year's event. If Continued on Page 2

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 2 Top of the card─ Continued from Page 1

eliminating five other potential challengers. much verbal exchange and even more physicality that Upon first glance, a Miz vs. John Cena main event creates a lapse in one of the show’s main selling points. match at WrestleMania doesn't exactly seem like a There’s still a hook to see what happens next, but it is far blockbuster encounter. In the summer of 2009, the two had less meaningful, as much of the payoff has already been a brief feud where The Miz clearly wasn't on the same level given. as John Cena. In fact, in their one and only pay-per-view The match might not be remembered as one of the encounter to date, Cena decisively defeated The Miz in better WrestleMania main events as far as match quality around five minutes. Why should anyone expect a different goes, but the subsequential aftermath could be responsible outcome this time around? for delivering a defining WrestleMania moment. Since then, The Miz has established ─ The World Title will be on the line himself into a credible performer, capable of for the ninth time at a WrestleMania when succeeding in a singles role when most the champion, defends against doubted he would have any success after his challenger, . This marks split with tag team partner, . Edge's tenth WrestleMania appearance Surprisingly, Miz has had more success than and fourth consecutive year that he has Morrison, working his way up through the been in the World Title match. Edge has mid-card, holding the Title, and not fared well in recent years, losing his by mid 2010 was on the cusp of main event last four WrestleMania matches after status after winning the being undefeated his first five matches. , guaranteeing him a shot at the As the fastest-rising star in quite WWE Title he currently holds because of that some time, Alberto Del Rio will be a part of his first match. WrestleMania, entering an elite list of few who can say their To sum it all up, The Miz has transformed into a first WrestleMania match was contested for a World Title. main event level star, looking to prove he can stand toe-to- The only five other wrestlers who can claim such an honor toe with John Cena, and even The Rock. To think Miz can go are Sgt. Slaughter, , , Diesel, and Brock from the opening match at last year's WrestleMania to Lesnar. potentially main-eventing this year is something no one Alberto Del Rio's rapid ascension to the top was could have predicted. solidified when he won his first , Though it's hard to deny that the bigger story ultimately choosing to face Edge for his World Title in seems to be the back and forth verbal battle between John Atlanta. Despite the match being set-up the night after the Cena and The Rock. The Miz is looking like the third wheel in Royal Rumble several months ago, the feud hasn't had the the saga, maybe even an afterthought of both Cena and type of hype it should for people to have a vested interest in Rock. The Miz has kept himself relevant by cutting strong seeing the match. promos on the mic on both men. He has gotten the better of There isn't much Cena more often than not coming into the event by leaving build to speak of, other than him laying as most editions of Raw concluded. the few instances where Del It's expected than John Cena will win the WWE Title Rio attempted to injure in his seventh consecutive title match at WrestleMania Edge's arm, much like he did contested over a major championship. History is on his side, to Edge's former partner especially in the instance of the match going on last. The and friend, Christian in the philosophy over the years has been to send the crowd home fall of 2010. Interestingly, happy, and The Miz retaining his title might not be the way Christian's involvement in the rivalry is the glue that's to make that happen. If The Miz did walk out of holding together any interest there might be. WrestleMania as WWE Champion, the win would do far If there was ever a time where a title match would more for him than it would do for Cena. benefit from being a triple threat match, this would be it. The perfect solution to an ideal ending would be Though for all intents and purposes, it is best for Edge and The Rock and John Cena confronting one another and Del Rio to rebound a lackluster build with a match that both eventually turning their attention to a braggadocios Miz. wrestlers can be proud of. Edge has been on a role as far as That would lead to both Cena and Rock hitting their delivering a consistent string of excellent matches, and for signature moves on the retaining champion as the ultimate that to end when it matters the most is improbable. crowd-pleaser. The only problem is that WWE gave a little By the looks of it, Christian will accompany Edge in bit of that away and then some on the go-home Raw, which his corner for moral support and Del Rio's NXT Season 4 takes away from that special moment when all three would rookie, Brodus Clay will accompany him in a bodyguard type be in the ring at once at WrestleMania. There was far too role. Christian and Clay will be the story on the outside of

Continued on Page 3

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 3

the ring, something that needs to be carefully booked as to bout was made official, which means and not take away from the in-ring action. Including them makes Undertaker will be less likely to put on a clinic, but sense given the amount of TV that has been dedicated to rather do a throwback to their last WrestleMania match their involvement. and showcase more of a brawling style. This way, they All indicators point to Alberto Del Rio winning his won't be expected to even try and put on the caliber of first World Title amidst the push he has received in matches Undertaker and have had the WWE's current "youth movement." No matter the past two years. outcome, both wrestlers will have a readymade It has been a year since challenger in Christian. A Del Rio World Title win, Shawn Michaels has wrestled, however would be a payoff having lost a "career vs. streak" that has been months in the making since he broke match against . onto the scene. A win for Edge might not be as Michaels has played a very subtle, impactful, though it could go a long way in establishing but important role in the feud Edge as a babyface at this juncture of his tenured with the taped vignettes he's in career. that have aired to promote the ─ In a match that is being built as "the last of the match. He's the middle man in outlaws," Triple H will challenge Undertaker's the ordeal as the friend of Triple 18-0 undefeated WrestleMania streak. The Undertaker will H, explaining why he feels that if anyone can end the streak, enter his nineteenth WrestleMania with the legend that is Triple H will be the one to do it.

simply known as "the streak." That bit of symbolism has Shawn Michaels being a special referee or enforcer turned into a story of its own for all of Undertaker's for the match could have added to the story that the three WrestleMania matches for over the past decade. have created. Though, something like that would have This will be the fifthteenth WrestleMania required more time to build and Undertaker and Triple H appearance for Triple H, back in a marquee match after would have had to of been active for much longer than they defeating in an undercard match last year. Triple H have been. Reintroducing both men back on television a indicated that ending the streak was the only thing left for little over a month before WrestleMania as a part of the him to do in WWE, having done it all. "2.21.11" campaign was a gamble, but one that paid off One of the bigger notes of the match is fact that knowing who was involved and the story that was planned. Undertaker and Triple H did battle at WrestleMania X- Undertaker's streak coming to an end one year 7 ten years ago with Undertaker coming out on top. This before potentially reaching 20-0 is doubtful. Triple H giving piece of information has been omitted in the renewed Undertaker his nineteenth WrestleMania win is surely what version of the feud. By all accounts, that is the right move if will happen. Given Undertaker's constant injuries and Triple they want the match to seem new and for fans to believe H's desire to take on a permanent behind the scenes role, that Triple H could be the one who ends the streak. might this be the last time we see Undertaker and Triple H The last time these two faced off one-on-one was face off? on SmackDown! in Oct. 2008. They were the last two ─ and CM Punk both have a major wrestlers in the WWE Title Elimination Chamber match from to settle after having cost the other their respective World 2009, and put on an edge-of-your-seat Titles. Randy Orton will be competing in a WrestleMania performance in the final minutes. Point being, Undertaker match for the eighth consecutive year with just three wins and Triple have a record of putting on big matches with one under his belt. This will be CM Punk's fifth WrestleMania another when called upon. This match, however could be an appearance, and his second singles match after have exception. competed in the Money in the Bank Ladder match his first Triple H hasn't been actively wrestling since April three outings. 2010, taking time off to nurse a number of injuries. The This, without a

Undertaker has been out of action since October 2010 after doubt is the highest profile losing a Buried Alive match. Quite a few injuries were match Punk has been in to plaguing the deadman at the time, led by a torn rotator cuff. date, coming in as one of He has been rehabbing the injury extensively since then, the top heels, facing one of though it is believed he's coming back before he should the top baby faces in the ahead of schedule. company. It's a match-up What does this mean for what is hoped to be an of two former, multi-time epic showdown? Both wrestlers have ring rust to work world champions, which off and must find a way to work around their limitations. ironically was the catalyst The match was made No Holds Barred shortly after the that got the rivalry going. Continued on Page 4

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 4

Just as it looked like Orton was going to defeat The around him. Interestingly, those accusations have been Miz for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble, CM Punk and his better suited for Cole with his over-bearing, pompous aura New Nexus intervened to make sure that didn't happen he has created for himself. Physical contact between the after Punk put Orton down with a Go To Sleep, costing him two has been kept to a bare minimum, as it should. Cole the title. Punk explained his actions by alluding to the past, wouldn't be nearly as effective in his role if he was getting something that isn't often done in current storylines. beat up every time he said something that made you want CM Punk was forced to relinquish his World Title after not to slap him. being able to defend it at 2008 because of a There's been enough tease of Lawler nearly giving punt kick to the head from Orton, who was a heel at the Cole him comeuppance to where fans are clamoring for the time. Punk bringing up that situation from three years prior moment to happen. Cole accepted Lawler's challenge to a was what put the feud in motion. It was simple, yet effective match, but only under his conditions. The main one would to where both guys had a legitimate gripe with one another be that Jack Swagger would train and accompany Cole to with something to equally prove. ringside for the match. Swagger evens what would have The rivalry has also been seemingly responsible for been an obvious one-sided encounter. the downfall of the New Nexus, the group CM Punk took Swagger has been responsible for not only giving control of in the early weeks of 2011. In a cleaver means of Cole an edge coming into the match, but he has protected insuring Orton vs. Punk would indeed be just that, a one-on- Cole, something he'll most likely do at WrestleMania. one confrontation, Orton faced each member of the New Despite not being in an actual match, being involved in this Nexus in the following weeks with the stipulation that if he program gives Swagger a meaningful role on the show with

defeated any of them, they wouldn't be allowed to which to work. accompany Punk to the ring for their match at 's second condition of choosing a WrestleMania. special guest referee for the match went awry when "Stone Orton went three for three by pinning and punting Cold" Steve Austin signed a contract meant for Cole's former the heads of Michael McGillicutty, and Mason SmackDown! broadcast partner, JBL. Austin's involvement Ryan, the remaining New Nexus members. It's unknown seems to be purely motivated by adding more star power to where that leaves the Nexus as a group in the future, but it the show. Having Austin in the mix will add to the does put Orton and Punk in a situation where they can give entertainment, but he should in the fans a decisive winner. no way overshadow . Looking at Orton's dominance coming in, it would After all, this match is designed to appear that he would be the one to go over. Punk hasn't give Lawler his big moment. looked like much of a threat, constantly avoiding physical This has been one of the contact. When Punk did get the upper hand, he was better built programs for the assisted, resources he no longer has at his disposal. Though, show. It's been perfectly designed Punk did injure Orton's leg with a wrench, so it remains to for the moment Michael Cole gets be seen how that will play into the story of the match. Even his lights knock out by Lawler. if the feud continues past WreslteMania, this particular This is an attraction match suited specifically for chapter of "an eye for an eye" will be written with one of WrestleMania. Michael has assumed a role similar to Andy the two getting their recompense. Kaufman, not an in-ring performer, but someone who talks ─ To think that Jerry Lawler has been in the wrestling excessively without being able to back it up. business for four decades and has never competed at The outcome should be obvious. A returning Jim WrestleMania is amazing to say the least. After a prominent Ross on commentary objectively cheering Lawler's first resurgence starting late last year, Lawler will finally get a WrestleMania match and win and giving Cole what he had chance to add a WrestleMania match to his long list of coming to him for over the past year. A beer-drinking accomplishments. celebration shouldn't be too farfetched with Austin

The antagonist, a modern day -like involved, either. foe for Lawler is Michael Cole, a character that has slowly ─ will compete in the biggest singles shifted from being your straightforward play-by-play match of his career, looking for a form of redemption as he commentator to a colorful, over-the-top agitator to not just takes on . Rhodes enters only his second the fans, but to his long-time broadcast partner. The tension WrestleMania, while Mysterio will be competing in his began when Cole prevented Lawler from winning the WWE seventh match on the . Tile in a TLC match, Lawler's fist ever shot at the title in Nov. Cody Rhodes has had big matches in the past, 2010. mostly teaming with former partner, Ted DiBiase against the Since then, Cole has accused Lawler of stealing the likes of Triple H and Shawn Michaels, even in a main event spotlight from everyone else, making the show revolve all slot. Since going solo, Rhodes as established his "Dashing"

Continued on Page 5

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 5

gimmick, finding moderate success, A win for Cody Rhodes would be exactly what he but definitely a step down to where needs to put himself into an upper-mid card position later in he was. the year. Both wrestlers have proven to have good The potential of the chemistry, so a standout performance should come gimmick has been there all along, naturally. In fact, the bout has a chance to be the dark horse and Rhodes did everything to make match of the night, something that could take people like it work, which it did. He essentially surprise, much like its build. turned into a narcissist who prided ─ The foundation of WrestleMania was built on himself on his [dashing] good looks. celebrity involvement, starting with the Rock 'n' Wrestling This was played up in a series of Connection in the early 1980s. That tradition returns in weekly vignettes titled, "Grooming Atlanta when Nicole "" Polizzi appears alongside John Tips" where Rhodes would bring Morrison and to face and LayCool everyone "one step closer to in a six person tag. dashing." John Morrison will wrestle at WrestleMania for the The purpose was served in getting the fans to hate third time and Trish Stratus for the fifth time. Dolph Ziggler the character, especially with Rhodes telling members of the will be making his second WrestleMania appearance and for audience on a weekly basis that they could never look as both members of LayCool, it will be their third. This is good as him. Upon entering the arena, Rhodes would look another match designed for WrestleMania, something that into a mirror built into the TitonTron, which would project wouldn't be done at your average pay-per-view. It's a special

his image for the entire arena to see. The gimmick evolved attraction match meant to get people talking for a different where he would throw a tantrum if anyone hit him in the reason, a reason more geared to brining in a new kind of face. He would stop what he was doing and check his face in audience. a mirror at ringside before resuming the match. This interesting match came about the night Snooki To really escalate the character of Rhodes and to was a guest star on an edition of Raw. She sat ringside as take it one step further, he would essentially have to Trish Stratus returned to the ring to face become "un-dashing" to bring out a different side. That with Vickie's job on the line. Layla and Michelle McCool's happened on the Jan. 21 SmackDown! where Mysterio interference in the match helped Vickie to get a win over the injured Rhodes' face with his exposed knee brace after a veteran, Trish. LayCool taunted Snooki, who would retaliate 619. This really began the feud with Rhodes pulling out on both Layla and McCool. Dolph of the Royal Rumble match and laying blame on Ziggler got involved and was Mysterio for destroying his chances of headlining fended off by John Morrison. WrestleMania. Rhodes wasn't seen for a few weeks, Vickie Guerrero was the one to reportedly having reconstructive surgery while away. lay down the challenge, which Rhodes has since been wearing a towel over Snooki surprisingly accepted. his head to the ring and sporting a face mask to hide Snooki partaking in a the damage. Everything about Rhodes has been a little match at WrestleMania darker, from his entrance music to his vicious side in immediately garnered coverage his matches. In the process, Rhodes has unmasked from every entertainment Mysterio, a sign of ultimate disrespect to Mysterio's outlet the likes of TMZ and background and heritage. . Getting Snooki for WrestleMania This feud is the height of the Cody Rhodes was a good choice, being one of the most recognizable character. It's the most logical direction to take the celebrities in current pop culture. In return, that should give character, as damaging the dashing moniker was something WrestleMania the necessary exposure to the non-WWE that was bound to happen at some point, and having it watchers.

culminate at WrestleMania seems only appropriate. Rhodes The winners ought to be apparent. WWE could get has been doing the best work of his career, cutting gripping some bonus press post-WrestleMania with the image of promos and performing the darker version of the gimmick Snooki pinning one of the members of LayCool. Morrison expertly. and Ziggler will be able to provide the doses of athleticism Rey Mysterio is a good foil, and someone who can while chaos ensues elsewhere in the match. help Rhodes become a prominent singles wrestler. Mysterio ─ The United States Championship will be on the line apparently hand-picked Rhodes as his WrestleMania for only the fourth time at WrestleMania as champion, opponent , so that in itself is reflective of this program being Seamus faces . Sheamus enters his second one of the more well-thought-out and executed stories WrestleMania and Bryan makes his WrestleMania debut, coming into the show. something that has been about a year in the making.

Continued on Page 6

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 6

Much of the back-story is focused on Sheamus and show, just six days before the event.. enters how he was on a bit of a losing streak early in 2011. After WrestleMania for the twelfth time and Big Show for the winning the tournament late last year, he eleventh time. For everyone else, they will be making their has slowly fallen down the card, even to a point where he WrestleMania debuts. jobbed to in under five minutes. Sheamus' Since formed in early Jan. losing streak was attributed to his King of the Ring win, 2011, their main adversary has been the Big Show. They something that was pegged as the "King of the Ring curse." have used their strength in numbers to dominate the giant, The only curse in that is and was always the great equalizer anytime how far down they put the former Big Show had an advantage. The feud continued for weeks WWE Champion, Sheamus. He was to where the fans were waiting for Show to get some form improving in the ring and took the of help. King Sheamus character as high as When recruiting Kane backfired for The Corre, Big he could. It seemed that Sheamus Show found himself an unlikely ally. Kane transitioned from fell into the slump that WWE likes heel, seemingly to a babyface after he sadistically told Big to put wrestlers in that receive a Show, "You complete me." Even the two monsters struggled big push and then try to put them to stand up to Corre on their own. back in their place so they don't Show and Kane found partners in two men that get a big ego. have been feuding with The Corre's and Justin

Daniel Bryan was United States Champion since the Gabriel over the WWE Tag Titles since Nov., Night of Champions 2010 pay-per-view in Sept. of 2010. The and . While this isn't the most exciting four

times he did defend the belt, particularly on pay-per-view man team, it does make the most sense given was has were usually show-stealers. He hasn't done much in recent transpired over the past couple of months. months with the most notable story being with the Bella There was speculation that was going Twins. This kind of set Sheamus and Bryan on similar courses to be on the Big Show and Kane team, but those plans

and gave them a reason to interact in some way. appeared to have been nixed. After Kingston lost his After losing by count-out to Bryan on Raw in early Intercontinental Title to Wade Barrett in late March, that

March, an angry Sheamus challenged Bryan the following seemed like a catalyst to get him involved. Kingston not week for his United States Championship, with the having any presence on the main show might be one of the

stipulation that if he lost the match, he would leave Raw. more missed opportunities because of his importance to the The match came and both wrestlers put on a stellar company's future. performance worthy of being on pay-per-view. Sheamus This match is a won the match and the title and broke his losing streak of big step back for Wade matches and bad luck. He was instantly rebuilt, and being an Barrett, especially after Irishman, began rubbing in the fact that he was the competing in multiple champion of the United States. main events the second

Daniel Bryan challenged Sheamus to a rematch at half of 2010. It would WrestleMania per the rematch clause of the title change. It's have been more ideal for hard to tell why they didn't wait for WrestleMania to put the him to be involved in belt on Sheamus. Perhaps they were trying to get heat on something a little more both wrestlers leading into the match. meaningful, but Barrett being on the show in some capacity Seeing as Sheamus just won the belt, it's difficult to is better than nothing. imagine that he will be dropping it this quickly. A win for This is a match that The Corre should win, given the Daniel Bryan could strongly set him up for the months idea that they've been built as a collective unit. A loss would

following WrestleMania, whereas a loss would really set him only make the group look weak with their opponents having

back farther than he needs to be at this point. If their title nothing significant to gain. Show, Kane, Marella and Kozlov match on Raw was any indication, we're in store for a highly should be happy that they'll be a part of the main show competitive match that will certainly be in contention for when so many are not. match of the night if given the time. ─ Months ago, there didn't seem to be much hope for ─ With no Money in the Bank Ladder match for the their year's WrestleMania from an in-ring or spectacle first time in six years, it seemed necessary to have a multi- standpoint. With several big stars since last year's man match in its place. The Corre of Wade Barrett, Ezekiel WrestleMania either retired or on hiatus, there became a

Jackson, Heath Slater and will team to face Big real concern for creating compelling, big-show worthy

Show, Kane, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov in an eight- match-ups. There also wasn't that hook that could generate man tag match. This was the final match announced for the week-to-week interest. Continued on Page 7

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WrestleMania XXVII preview, pt. 7 (final) Edwards wins title─ Continued from Page 1

What makes Edwards’ title win even more Luckily, many of those problems were corrected

surprising is that it appeared that Davey Richards would be early enough. The talk internally is that they are doing

the next in line to hold title given his story in the everything in their power to surpass one million pay-per-

title hunt. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when Richards was view buys. That probably wouldn't have had any chance of

going to defeat Strong. Timing can be everything, especially happening had the wheels not been put into motion early

in Edwards’ case. with starting feuds several months prior and calling up a few

Over the past several years, ROH has had a names from the past.

tendency to wait too long to “pull the trigger” when it comes The Rock deserves the most credit for agreeing to

to putting the belt on certain guys. Nigel McGuinness and come back just at the right time, more importantly, making

Tyler Black are two of the more prime examples. In both WrestleMania feel like a big deal and giving the WWE Title

cases, it could be said that by the time they finally won the match a glow and to make it something to anticipate.

title, it was a year too late. The fans invested in them early However, The Rock was just a start to a long list of

on when they got hot, but soured on them when they noteworthy additions to the show.

eventually were given the belt because of the endless time it While the hype for WrestleMania is there, it

took. remains to be seen how it will deliver on April 3. Match

Both instances created a that affected the quality might not be at an all time WrestleMania high, but

title reigns to some degree to where plans had to be there will be a number of matches that will make wrestling

somewhat modified. From a character perspective, purists happy. Maybe the returning superstars and

McGuinness and Black won the ROH World Title as baby celebrities will be enough to make the event memorable for

faces, and lost it as heels, largely because of the reaction the fans looking for a dosage of entertainment.

from the fans. That slow build may have worked back in the WrestleMania XXVII is a show that will have a little

day, but capitalizing on an opportunity in the present is something for everyone no matter how it's looked at. If this

essential for satisfying and long-lasting results. WrestleMania does go down as one of the better editions, it

Eddie Edwards hasn’t could be one of the bigger bombshells the wrestling world

suffered from a similar situation, has seen in years. Only on April 3, 2011 in the Dome

but has benefited from the in Atlanta will it be determined where this WrestleMania fits

opposite. While it’s possible the in with its 26 predecessors.

fans turn on him at some point, it

won’t be because his world title

chase took forever to culminate. Television Ratings

He was on enough of a role where winning the title

wasn’t out of nowhere, in that he was more than worthy to Week of

be in contention.

This was a very pleasant surprise that wasn’t only March 7 3.9 1.2 1.9 smart from a creative standpoint, but also a business

standpoint. Edwards pinned Strong with a quick roll-up that March 14 3.6 1.2 2.0 further added to the shock value. In return, this lets fans

know that a pinfall can happen at any time with something March 21 3.3 1.2 1.9 as simple as a flash pin. The title change adds to the

importance of events taped for DVD, giving off the idea that March 28 3.8 1.2 1.9

the title can change hands not just on iPPV. ROH Title

matches won’t be ‘just another match’ with fans highly Courtesy of Nielsen TV Ratings

speculating on all possible outcomes. To add even more onto that, another notable other wrestlers and management. He continues to underscore is Eddie Edwards being crowned the first triple work at becoming better and isn't complacent, a crown champion in ROH history. To think that Bryan quality that has really shined through since Danielson was chasing after the tag titles in 2009 to becoming a regular on the roster in 2008. complete his list of championships and didn't manage to The American Wolf's hunt for the ROH obtain all of them to become the first triple crown champion World Title was successful. Everything that is interesting when compared to how quickly it took Edwards surrounds the victory has made it one of the most to overcome that feat. historic occasions in 's nine year Edwards became a big deal fast and did it simply by existence. being a dedicated worker. The fans noticed it, as did the

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Review The True Story of WrestleMania The Road Ahead A look at upcoming events

 If you’re looking for something to really get you ready for WrestleMania, the documentary does a great job of making EVOLVE evolvewrestling.com the event feel special - EVOLVE 7 -this could be a DVD people watch each year during April 19th, 2011: Manhattan, NY WrestleMania season to really get the hype going Matches : vs. ,  Naturally, they spent a lot of time looking at the first three vs. , & and the early stages of developing the event as vs. Facade & Jason Gory, Sami a yearly tradition Callihan vs. Zack Sabre Jr. - some WrestleManias were glossed over, while I believe Also booked: , Johnny WrestleMania 22 was only mentioned by name Gargano, AR Fox, ,  At times the documentary felt more like a recap or highlight of a particular Shiima Xion, , Reby Sky, Larry WrestleMania, rather than talk about more candid thoughts going in or post reactions USA dgusa.tv - though, there is a fair mix of the two, but definitely some good insight here -Fearless 2011 and there on what went into a WrestleMania June 3rd, 2011: Foxborough, MA - WrestleMania 9 had some great footage behind the scenes, but that was -Uprising 2011 probably because there was a crew that day specifically documenting June 4th, 2011: Deer Park, New York different happenings -Enter The Dragon 2011: Second - I'm sure this wasn't considered for other WrestleManias, hence the reason Anniversary Celebration

there might have been just more talk June 5th, 2011: Manhattan, NY  In some cases there were “sub-chapters” that broke up the straightforward year All three shows to feature: , to year breakdown Masato Yoshino & , , Austin - there were parts that focused on Fan Axxess, the Hall of Fame, Undertaker’s Aries, & of Blood streak, Shawn Michaels as “Mr. WrestleMania” and even the differences of a Warriors, Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu stadium versus a regular arena Yokosuka, Ronin of Chuck Taylor, Johnny - these were nice little additions that told a story within a story Gargano and , D.U.F. of Arik  Very satisfying documentary that paints WrestleMania in a good light, largely Cannon & , Jimmy Jacobs, focusing on the positives, as it should AR Fox - there can be points argued that there wasn’t enough never-before-seen Ring of Honor rohwrestling.com footage or untold stories, but it’s certainly recommended for what it is: a -May 6, 2011: Dearborn, MI very solid interest generator that makes WrestleMania feel big -May 7, 2011: , ON  Other interesting facts: Both shows to feature: Eddie Edwards, - WrestleMania 2's feed didn't work in at closed circuit, so the and , event was shown for free on TV days after , and - Hogan was extremely nervous all day at WrestleMania 3, not knowing what Claudio Castagnoli, Shane Hagadorn, to expect in the match with Andre Davey Richards, El Generico, - they claim that security was an issue for WrestleMania 7, so it would be and Rhett Titus, & Truth best to move the show from the Memorial Coliseum to the LA Martini Sports Arena TNA tnawrestling.com - they also claim that it happened to work in their favor because they sold - 2011 just about as many tickets for the coliseum at that point as the sports arena April 19, 2011: , OH would hold- "at that point" meaning sales were coming along soo slow that Matches: vs. Mr. Anderson vs. RVD, there wasn't a chance they'd sellout the coliseum is my guess Immortal vs. Fortune, vs. Kurt - Hogan vs. Flair was actually announced as the original WrestleMania 8 main Angle, vs. ,

event to the public and not just speculated vs. , The Pope - their reason for the change was that the two didn't mesh in terms of ego, vs. , Xscape match, Ink Inc vs. with actually bad business playing a bigger role /Steiner vs. Jordan/Young vs. - WrestleMania 24 was originally supposed to be held at the Amway Arena in Magnus/Williams Orlando, but other options were looked into because of the low capacity- the WWE .com Citrus Bowl was the obvious substitute - 2011  The match selection of the DVD left much to be desired May 1, 2011: Tampa, FL - these were all matches that have been on many DVD releases in the past

- I would have much preferred more interviews or segments, or perhaps alternate commentary at the very least Overall: 4/5

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Analyzing the top wrestler tweets of the month in more than 140 characters

@anglefoods1

To WWE wrestlers, Don't use my Finish. Get more Creative. Hmmmm- Orton. Did I say that? 3 Apr

I guess Swagger will use my Ankle Lock as well. Very creative. I'm the . You Guys will never be Kurt Angle. can I get an AMEN 3 Apr ______

- After a backlash from those comments, Angle claimed his account was hacked. Orton responded by basically saying that every move has been done before and that using someone else's move is a sign of respect. Kurt Angle overreacted if those were indeed his comments. The response to his tweets from most people was that he stole 's Ankle Lock. Sure, the first time I saw Randy do the Angle Slam, I naturally thought of Angle. Big deal. The first time I saw Kurt do the Ankle Lock, I thought of Shamrock. Naturally, that's something that's going to happen over time to some degree. Angle should see it as a compliment, or better yet, not worry about it. Kurt should be above something like this at this point in his career. ______

@CMPunk CM Punk

I like how thq acts like they don't know what would happen if @steveaustinBSR and I were to lock horns. Everybody knows. SXE > Beer. 29 Mar GTS > stunner. 29 Mar ______

@steveaustinBSR Steve Austin

@CMPunk alright Punk...you just crossed the line...i'll be seeing your ass in Atlanta. 30 Mar ______

- This "feud" came about when brought up the discussion of fantasy warfare. A lot of people speculated that there was legit heat between the two over it, but it was really all in good fun. There's no doubt the two would have a great program on promos alone. The characters are the exact opposite, making it the perfect match-up from a story standpoint. CM Punk had something close to this in the summer of 2009 with , who was the ideal foil for Punk's character, but Austin would be that much better because of his ability to talk.

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From the Distant Past

A look back

Analyzing the WWF for the first half of 2001 prior to invasion angle (Part 1 of 3) Royal Rumble- No Way Out

The year 2000 in the WWF was a very Kurt Angle would drop the WWF Title at No successful one. It saw a number of stand-out pay- Way Out to the same man he won it from five months per-views, the height of The Rock's babyface run earlier, The Rock. This set up an obvious match and Triple H's best year in wrestling. The year to do, a WrestleMania 15 rematch between The Rock 2001 certainly had a bit to live up to, and and Steve Austin. Rock and Austin were undeniably started off right where 2000 left off. the two biggest stars in the company at the time. Coming into 2001, Kurt Angle was the World It's only a wonder why the wheels weren't put into Wrestling Federation Champion. He had held the motion for this program earlier with at least a belt since October of 2000 after defeating The more prominent tease. Rock at . Maybe even more importantly, he The problem with doing that is they were retained the title in the Hell in a already shuffling around a number of feuds, but Cell in December, something no one thought he did so in a logical way. Austin cost Triple H the would do with the number of other stars in the title at the Rumble, stemming back from Triple H match. orchestrating a hit-and-run attack on Austin in That win gave Angle late 1999. This was a program that was credibility coming into the new built for over a year and needed an year, something his title reign appropriate blow-off. It was evident by really needed. Out of all the this time that WrestleMania wasn't the challengers that were lined up, place for that, so No Way Out seemed they decided to go with Triple like the next best place. H. The thing about that is, No Way Out already felt huge Triple H was in the midst of a based on the big matches that were blood feud with Steve Austin, booked. The great wrestling matches on which went back to November at the show just added to that. With No the . The feud Way Out thrown in between the two was by no means over, but a biggest WWF shows of the year, it's Kurt Angle vs. Triple H match imperative for the February offering to at the Rumble was the best stand out and be worthwhile to the option for insuring all of the consumer. No Way Out 2001 was the prime pieces were in place for example of just that, largely headed by WrestleMania that year. one big match- which didn't even go on The first two WWF pay-per-views of 2001 may last that night. have been the best incarnations of their A Steve Austin vs. Triple H 3 Stages of respective events. Both pay-per-views featured not Hell match had money written all over it. This is only classic matches, but key moments that a match people wanted to see because of everything perfectly set up the following month, while that happened since their last one on one match at delivering on every level imaginable. So what you Survivor Series. The two contested in a brutal, basically got were awesome shows that left you epic encounter that stemmed from the great 2000 satisfied, but also wanting to come back for more. for Triple H and added to the great 2001 Steve While Kurt Angle vs. Triple H at the first Austin would go on to have. Triple H defeated of two solid shows, the Royal Rumble was a great Austin two falls to one, but it was a win he match, there were other matches and things to note needed to stay strong heading into WrestleMania. that eclipsed it. and The Rock walked out of No Way Out as WWF renewed their rivalry from 2000 and put on one of Champion in a position that wouldn't be hard to the best ladder matches the company has ever seen. readjust to. The WrestleMania main event was Steve Austin won his third Royal Rumble match, a officially set after this night. Now it would be record that stands to this day. That Rumble match interesting to see how they would build for a has gone down as one of the more memorable babyface vs. babyface encounter for the big show. editions, being regarded as one of the better Other pieces were starting to come worked ones along with 1992 and 2004's Royal together, including the tag title picture, a Rumble matches. Women's title program with and , and a Kurt Angle came out of the month of January commissioner in who abused his still the WWF Champion, but it was clear that him power. being the champion going into WrestleMania wasn't With February 2001 over, March 2001 not the direction the company wanted to take. A only saw the final stretch to WrestleMania, but program with Angle and Austin is something that also the end of wrestling companies, something would be put on the backburner until the summer in that planted the seed for months to come. the midst of the invasion angle. to be continued...

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PPV Review 2011

March 13: Orlando, FL

 This show seemed like it was more of a burden for TNA to put booked virtually as after-thoughts on - one constant is the wrestlers work just as hard, - it was coming off of the two big iMPACTs from North if not harder than everyone else on the show *** Carolina, which were promoted better in every way  The tag title match was another instance where all four guys  The Dreamer vs. Bully match was turned into No DQ on put in a lot of effort into their match the spot and was worked as a comedy match - this might have been just a slight notch below their Final - for what it was, this match was fun and had its moments, Resolution match, but told a slightly different story with and the tone fit for its place on the card playing the disrespectful punk and - given the serious nature of the feud coming in, it was an believing is too soft awkward contrast - there were definitely a few instances where it looked like - before the match, Bully Ray is telling Dreamer how he once Ink Inc. were going to pick up the win broke his wife's neck, and Dreamer retaliates by hitting him - these two teams work well together, particularly when with a giant stuffed minion from the Despicable Me movie they're motivated, which they always are **3/4 - the match was a nice offset as to not have Ray and Devon  AJ Styles vs. was one of the more competitive face off each month matches of the night - Devon's involvement in the match made - these two guys have a good chemistry with one sense, but the wrong guy went over another and can pretty effortlessly transition nonetheless from move to move - losing in the first match on the card in a - Flair played a good outside-the-ring dynamic, comedy match to someone who is on TV inserting himself when necessary, but he didn't sparingly isn't good for a guy (Ray) who is overshadow Styles or Hardy being built up as a badass *1/2 - Styles was really awesome in this match, pulling  The Tag Title match represented the out some moves he typically doesn't, such as the bad side of wrestling springboard forearm off of the guardrail and the

- they were all sloppy and poorly timed key spiral tap of all things tag moves throughout the match - this was Hardy's best performance since coming - the finish was done soo horribly where I'm to TNA, something I think he'll have a hard time guessing missed her cue to prevent topping when it comes to one on one Rosita from using the tag belt, which really competition ***1/4 made this whole thing look like a much bigger  Mr. Anderson vs. was a number one mess than it needed to be -DUD contender's match, which made sense to have given that  Why they decided to go back to a Hernandez and Matt Morgan both wrestlers have a legitimate claim to the world title program is beyond me - they have little to no chemistry with much of what they - their feud in 2010 certainly didn't light the company on fire do coming off as awkward and sloppy - the first blood stipulation seemed to be tacked on for the - conversely, the first minute of the match was really hell of it, or maybe just so they could do the over-booked awesome where they went back and forth with a series of finish moves and counter moves that looked clean and crisp- - using fake blood on your opponent in theory could be a everything after that fell apart good finish if done right - the double countout finish fell flat with literally half of the - it came off bad the way it was done as it looked like crowd not wanting to see a winner Morgan couldn't comprehend what had happened - the announcers kept saying "tune in on Thursday for the - on top of that, the finish would be good for a chickenshit fallout"- people pay money to see the match and are being heel, but Hernandez's new character is supposed to go out told they would see what would happen on free TV *1/4 and hurt people at the order of Immortal, which here was  The Jeff Jarrett family segments throughout Universal Studios the complete opposite 1/2* were a lot of fun as they played into family man character,  The Ultimate X match was a good blend of athleticism and but it was surprising not to see Kurt Angle confront them at story some point in the park - the dynamic of Max Buck wanting Jeremy to help him win  Sting vs. Jeff Hardy was an abomination of a main event the title was a lot of fun, especially when they went at it - apparently Jeff Hardy was in no condition to compete, toward the end of the match while hanging from the wires which resulted in the very awkward closing of the show - Kazarian worked hard and busted out several big moves, - if Hardy couldn't compete, there should have been a

including the Flux Capacitor substitute - the match did lack that big X Division Title match, Ultimate X feel, but that could be attributed to the X Division being Continued on Page 12

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End Notes Victory Road Review─ Continued from Page 11

 Check out the website regularly (iliveforprowrestling.wordpress.com) for other content - this is where it would have that will not be found in the Over-sell. This includes live been a good idea to crown an reactions to all weekly wrestling TV programming, such official number one contender in Anderson or RVD as Raw, iMPACT and SmackDown! - point being, they needed to  There are reviews of shows, particularly from companies have anything but what they such as ROH, DGUSA and Evolve who put out a number actually had: maybe the most disappointing TNA World Title of DVDs throughout the year. matches in the company's  Also, there are opinions on various, smaller wrestling history news stories when they occur. - there is no reason the show  If you like to use the star rating system on matches, should have ended this way, and this was one big middle finger to check out a page entirely dedicated to matches three the fans who actually buy TNA stars plus in the WWF and WWE. PPVS (and there aren't many of  A podcast is in the works. There are plans for an audio them left) - the match lasted a little over a minute with Jeff looking supplement to the Over-sell, which would be similar to like he was trying to kick out of the Scorpion Death Drop an audio book, perfect for listening while at the gym or - this was a pathetic main event and a shadow that TNA on your commute. does not need over their promotion -DUD  There's a page that houses this issue and all upcoming  The event was really strange with three really good matches being sandwiched in-between a lot of crap issues of the Over-sell in one easy-to-find location for - more effort could have gone into this show, but the future reference. attention was on the previous two iMPACTS and Lockdown  If you have a WordPress account, subscribe to the blog. - another thing to note is that the Rob Van Dam vs. Jeff If you don't, you can subscribe and receive e-mail Hardy world title match had been six months in the making and was thrown on TV the iMPACT after notifications for all new posts. If you're involved in social without any real notice networking, you can like the blog on Facebook or follow - this PPV, which was a placeholder for Lockdown could it on Twitter as another way to stay updated. Exclusively have benefited from a big match - Victory Road 2011 might have been the worst TNA pay- on the Facebook page are a variety of pictures from per-view since Victory Road 2009 events I've attended over the years. ______ All of this and more to come! Match of the Night: AJ Styles vs. Matt Hardy -Average: 1.531 []

Creator and Editor: AJ Niemiec

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