I don't think Punk is under any illusion when it comes to his fighting pedigree. His tenure in UFC will probably be short-lived with more losses than wins. But, hey, it's a win-win situation for all involved. UFC gets an ex-WWE champion on its books to use as a novelty act and Punk gets to keep his name in the limelight. UFC garners more interest amongst sport fans and attracts more casual viewers than WWE. If Punk plays his cards well, and providing he doesn't suffer any serious injuries while fighting, his name-value will certainly increase. As both Punk and WWE haven't ruled out working together again, his stint in UFC will probably enhance his negotiation position. I think we'll see Punk go down the part-time route with the WWE in a few years time - maybe then he'll get his Wrestlemania moment.

(07 Dec 2014, 4:44 pm)AdamY wrote I don't think Punk is under any illusion when it comes to his fighting pedigree. His tenure in UFC will probably be short-lived with more losses than wins. But, hey, it's a win-win situation for all involved. UFC gets an ex-WWE champion on its books to use as a novelty act and Punk gets to keep his name in the limelight. UFC garners more interest amongst sport fans and attracts more casual viewers than WWE. If Punk plays his cards well, and providing he doesn't suffer any serious injuries while fighting, his name-value will certainly increase. As both Punk and WWE haven't ruled out working together again, his stint in UFC will probably enhance his negotiation position. I think we'll see Punk go down the part-time route with the WWE in a few years time - maybe then he'll get his Wrestlemania moment.

So Punk will go down the Lesnar route in future...

Altgough I dont watch MMA, is Punk worthy of a spot in UFC, I mean is he trained in many Martial Arts...It can only be good for Punk, as you say it keeps his name relevant and very much keeps him in the publics eye...I thought there was a no-compete clause to prevent him going to UFC in his termination, at least it sounded that way in the Colt Cabana podcast...Could those clauses actually be seen as a restriction of trade, even though Vince has used them for years.

I would love to see Punk back in WWE, I kind of started disliking him when he walked earlier this year, but after Cabanas podcast, my view on Punk has changed and can understand his reason to leave.

(07 Dec 2014, 4:53 pm)marxistafozzski wrote So Punk will go down the Lesnar route in future...

Altgough I dont watch MMA, is Punk worthy of a spot in UFC, I mean is he trained in many Martial Arts...It can only be good for Punk, as you say it keeps his name relevant and very much keeps him in the publics eye...I thought there was a no-compete clause to prevent him going to UFC in his termination, at least it sounded that way in the Colt Cabana podcast...Could those clauses actually be seen as a restriction of trade, even though Vince has used them for years.

I would love to see Punk back in WWE, I kind of started disliking him when he walked earlier this year, but after Cabanas podcast, my view on Punk has changed and can understand his reason to leave.

He has a background in Kempo and is trained in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu according to Wikepedia.

(07 Dec 2014, 4:53 pm)marxistafozzski wrote So Punk will go down the Lesnar route in future...

Altgough I dont watch MMA, is Punk worthy of a spot in UFC, I mean is he trained in many Martial Arts...It can only be good for Punk, as you say it keeps his name relevant and very much keeps him in the publics eye...I thought there was a no-compete clause to prevent him going to UFC in his termination, at least it sounded that way in the Colt Cabana podcast...Could those clauses actually be seen as a restriction of trade, even though Vince has used them for years.

I would love to see Punk back in WWE, I kind of started disliking him when he walked earlier this year, but after Cabanas podcast, my view on Punk has changed and can understand his reason to leave.

But as Punk notes in Cabana's podcast, how can you put a no-compete cause on a person who is deemed an 'independent contractor'?

All wrestlers under the WWE banner are designated 'independent contractors'. It's really only the office staff who have 'employee' status. WWE wrestlers are essentially zero-hour workers with the added perks of a retainer fee and merchandising royalties. If someone has the bottle (and money and energy) to challenge the no-compete clause they'll probably win. Brock, Bertie and Punk have all proven the various invalidities of that particular clause.

(07 Dec 2014, 5:01 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote He has a background in Kempo and is trained in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu according to Wikepedia.

I knew he did a bit of BJJ, and possibly a bit of Muay-Thai, but I don't think he's highly skilled in either. 

Most of his MMA skills were fabricated by WWE creative. 

Would his wrestling experience be an advantage, I mean he would know his way round various holds and submission moves right?

I hope it works out...

About there independent contractors status, does that actually mean they could take bookings from Indy Promotions due to the type of deal they have despite working for WWE???

I found Punk talking about MMA amusing, when WWE said something like he could not be seen in UFC as someone might die in the octagon...

Another funny story I liked was Punk talking about Ryback, Ryback hurt and Punk asked him 'did you do that on purpose or are you numb as fuck' Ryback replied 'Numb as fuck' lol

(07 Dec 2014, 5:24 pm)marxistafozzski wrote Would his wrestling experience be an advantage, I mean he would know his way round various holds and submission moves right?

Unlikely. There's a world of difference between knowing how to do (and allowing yourself to be put in) worked submission holds and knowing how to do submissions in a shoot environment. Also, you don't see many piledrivers or powerbombs in MMA - mainly because it requires a certain amount of cooperation between the two combatants. On the rare occasions it does happen, it's usually down to raw strength or momentum. Punk may be able to keep people in position for the GTS, but I seriously doubt he could put someone there who hasn't agreed to  take the move. That's the difference there. 

About there independent contractors status, does that actually mean they could take bookings from Indy Promotions due to the type of deal they have despite working for WWE???

An interesting point. Unless challenged it's hard to say. Lawler does independent dates as do many of those on 'Legends Contracts', so I guess you could argue a case based upon that. It all comes down to money and resources at the end of the day. Because the wrestling business isn't unionised it's unlikely there'll be any serious lawful challenge. It's up to individuals to hire lawyers to fight their case so it ultimately comes down to who has the most money to waste on legal battles.  

(07 Dec 2014, 6:10 pm)AdamY wrote Unlikely. There's a world of difference between knowing how to do (and allowing yourself to be put in) worked submission holds and knowing how to do submissions in a shoot environment. Also, you don't see many piledrivers or powerbombs in MMA - mainly because it requires a certain amount of cooperation between the two combatants. On the rare occasions it does happen, it's usually down to raw strength or momentum. Punk may be able to keep people in position for the GTS, but I seriously doubt he could put someone there who hasn't agreed to  take the move. That's the difference there. 





An interesting point. Unless challenged it's hard to say. Lawler does independent dates as do many of those on 'Legends Contracts', so I guess you could argue a case based upon that. It all comes down to money and resources at the end of the day. Because the wrestling business isn't unionised it's unlikely there'll be any serious lawful challenge. It's up to individuals to hire lawyers to fight their case so it ultimately comes down to who has the most money to waste on legal battles.

So going against Vince and the WWE would be hard for most wrestlers giving the finances that would be involved

(07 Dec 2014, 6:50 pm)marxistafozzski wrote So going against Vince and the WWE would be hard for most wrestlers giving the finances that would be involved

Yup. 

I imagine it's like having the best possible poker-hand and not having enough money to bet with. Unless there's someone willing to bankroll you then you're pretty much out the game. 

Unfortunately, that's how a lot of litigation battles are fought these days. Person A files a lawsuit while Corporation X files a countersuit. Whoever runs out of money first loses. 

http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/...l-Get-You/

(08 Dec 2014, 9:30 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/...l-Get-You/

The topic of Chris Benoit will always be a sensitive one...

I can see why WWE would distance themselves from him and pretty much erase him from history, but stopping people creating him on a computer game is a bit harsh...

(08 Dec 2014, 9:57 pm)marxistafozzski wrote The topic of Chris Benoit will always be a sensitive one...

I can see why WWE would distance themselves from him and pretty much erase him from history, but stopping people creating him on a computer game is a bit harsh...

I remember getting off the Train in Glasgow and walking under the Big TV Screen and seeing it on SKY News, Honestly I couldnt believe it, Benoit for me was a fantastic Wrestler and I think it is wrong that WWE should erase him from there History Books because of what he did to his Family, I think he should at least be remembered for what he accomplished whilst he was in WWE and Wrestling as a whole.

Plus, despite the best efforts of WWE to erase him from memory, Benoit had his Wrestlemania moment when he won the WHC in the main event of WMXX beating 'Aitch and Shawn Michaels. The show closed with Benoit and Guererro in the ring celebrating their respective title victories. It was a memorable sight which is arguably still remembered fondly by some wrestling fans.

(08 Dec 2014, 10:09 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote I remember getting off the Train in Glasgow and walking under the Big TV Screen and seeing it on SKY News, Honestly I couldnt believe it, Benoit for me was a fantastic Wrestler and I think it is wrong that WWE should erase him from there History Books because of what he did to his Family, I think he should at least be remembered for what he accomplished whilst he was in WWE and Wrestling as a whole.

I agree. 

I was at work when the news broke of Chris Benoit's 'suicide' - and then the grim truth of the story was revealed a few hours later!

(08 Dec 2014, 10:10 pm)AdamY wrote Plus, despite the best efforts of WWE to erase him from memory, Benoit had his Wrestlemania moment when he won the WHC in the main event of WMXX beating 'Aitch and Shawn Michaels. The show closed with Benoit and Guererro in the ring celebrating their respective title victories. It was a memorable sight which is arguably still remembered fondly by some wrestling fans.

(08 Dec 2014, 10:10 pm)AdamY wrote Plus, despite the best efforts of WWE to erase him from memory, Benoit had his Wrestlemania moment when he won the WHC in the main event of WMXX beating 'Aitch and Shawn Michaels. The show closed with Benoit and Guererro in the ring celebrating their respective title victories. It was a memorable sight which is arguably still remembered fondly by some wrestling fans.

I remember it well mate...Eddie would be dead before the end of that year...

(08 Dec 2014, 10:13 pm)AdamY wrote I agree. 

I was at work when the news broke of Chris Benoit's 'suicide' - and then the grim truth of the story was revealed a few hours later!

I found out when I turned in Raw and the announcement of it being a memorial for Benoit, the rumours of the double murder-suicide started doing the rounds online before Raw finished...

To this day, I say the death of Eddie is what tipped Benoit over the edge, I seem to remember a lot of deaths among his friends around that period and I still say Benoit was so mentally fucked up that he did not know what he was doing...If I remember correctly, there were reports going round that he was dead man walking anyway, his heart was ready to give up at anytime and his brain was compared to that of an old person with advanced dementia.

I dont really have an opinion on WWE airbrushing him from history, they can do what they please in my opinion, they cannot really deny his place in history as he was probably one of the most technically gifted performers of his generation.

I personally despise Chris Benoit the man, but will always like what he gave in the ring, he give everything for the fans and was worth every penny imo...

What do people think of the Kevin Sullivan conspiracy that has been going around since Benoit and his families death???

Well, Sullivan essentially booked his own divorce in WCW when he paired up his wife with Benoit. So anything he says regarding Benoit and Nancy I'd take with a pinch of salt.

Benoit/EG Pre-Match Segment before there Matches at WMXX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHQTdPCf4k

Cant even find the Benoit/HHH/HBK Match in full other than Highlights on Youtube which is a Great Shame as WWE have more than likely had it Removed, to be honest there isnt much Chris Benoit (Match Wise) just Backstage Segments and Death Conspiracy Videos.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_q...ris+benoit&page=1

(08 Dec 2014, 10:37 pm)AdamY wrote Well, Sullivan essentially booked his own divorce in WCW when he paired up his wife with Benoit. So anything he says regarding Benoit and Nancy I'd take with a pinch of salt.

I never used to watch dubya-see-dubya, so dont know a great deal of what went on. But can remember right from the moment murder-suicide was known to be the cause, people started saying it was Sullivan, getting his own back...I just dont understand how Sullivan could have done it, surely if he had there would be evidence left behind, and if Sullivan was there, surely Benoit would not go down without a fight and surely there would be signs of self defense...I just think the sad truth is Benoit did it, he may have been mentally impaired, but all the facts point to that

(08 Dec 2014, 10:43 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Benoit/EG Pre-Match Segment before there Matches at WMXX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHQTdPCf4k

Cant even find the Benoit/HHH/HBK Match in full other than Highlights on Youtube which is a Great Shame as WWE have more than likely had it Removed, to be honest there isnt much Chris Benoit (Match Wise) just Backstage Segments and Death Conspiracy Videos.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_q...ris+benoit&page=1

Here you go!

(08 Dec 2014, 10:50 pm)AdamY wrote Here you go!

Thanks for posting that Adam...

One of my favourite matches at Wrestlemania...

Seeing him and Eddie embracing still brings a lump to me old throat

Just purchased the WWE Attitude Era Volume 2 DVD for £22.99 out of HMV, Shame I cant watch it for another 16 Days though.

(09 Dec 2014, 1:46 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Just purchased the WWE Attitude Era Volume 2 DVD for £22.99 out of HMV, Shame I cant watch it for another 16 Days though.

Looks like there's some quality matches on there.

I'd noticed that there's now a Best of WCW Nitro vol.2 out, so I may have to purchase that. 

(09 Dec 2014, 4:27 pm)aureolin wrote Looks like there's some quality matches on there.

I'd noticed that there's now a Best of WCW Nitro vol.2 out, so I may have to purchase that. 

No Idea what Matches are on it, Just thought id buy it as I have Volume 1 and the fact I enjoyed watching it, Wouldnt mind the Paul Heyman or Sting DVD though, CEX often have the Boxsets on the Cheap as well, Mainly Wrestlemanias from years gone by, so I may have a look in there as well, as wouldnt mind a few more Wrestling DVDs.

I would also recommend looking Online at http://www.wwedvd.co.uk/ , They currently have a 12% off Sale on atm between December 6th and 19th.

Finn Balor's amazing entrance from WWE's NXT Takeover: Revolution which took place on Thursday night.



He did this in New Japan and on the indies for a while. Nice to see WWE take advantage of a crowd-popping spectacle.

Has anyone watched Lucha Underground?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucha_Underground

I've just watched the first episode and it's interesting to say the least. The executive director of the show is Robert Rodriguez who directed films like Dusk to Dawn, Desperado, Sin City and Machete. It's stylistically different to any other wrestling product I've watched as storylines are shot like actual television productions as opposed to usual 'backstage' segments.  

The commentary team consists of Matt Striker (ex-WWE) and Vampiro (some of you might remember his late 90's WCW run); and the main event of the first show was Johnny Mundo (formerly John(ny) Morrison/Nitro) versus Prince Puma (Ricochet).

Well worth a watch.

(06 Dec 2014, 4:49 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Jim Ross has signed up to do commentary on Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling presentation of New Japan's annual Tokyo Dome show on Jan 5th 2015.

http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/page/2/

It will be interesting to see how Ross handles his commentary duties on this show. While he's widely regarded as being the best play-by-play announcer in wrestling, most of his work came under the WWE banner. People who have performed commentary for WWE in the past (e.g. Mick Foley) have complained about Vince McMahon's input while attempting to call matches. Now that he's free from restriction, he should be able to call the match as he sees fit.

(06 Dec 2014, 6:59 pm)MrFozz wrote Jim Ross is probably the finest play-by-play announcer in the history of pro wrestling, up there with Gordon Solie...

JR's craic on the mic is second to none, some of the things he came out with was great

Slobberknocker
He's running like a scalded dog
He is whipping him like a government mule
STUNNER, STUNNER, STONE COLD STUNNER

Did JR come up with 'stomping a mudhole and walk it dry'

Would be weird hearing JR commentate for another company...

Still curious to hear Jim Ross doing commentary on another wrestling product?

Well, here he is doing commentary on the English Language version of New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom 9 from the Tokyo Dome. 

The match in question is an early Match of the Year candidate. Reportedly, both Kota Ibushi and Shinsuke Nakamura have been approached by WWE in the past. WWE are apparently very high on Ibushi in particular.

Enjoy.

Ooooooo Yeeeeaaahhhh Macho Man Randy Savage to be finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Just been announced on RAW and was reportedly reported by TMZ on Monday Morning also, He will be Inducted by Hulk Hogan.

(13 Jan 2015, 3:33 am)Malarkey wrote Ooooooo Yeeeeaaahhhh Macho Man Randy Savage to be finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Just been announced on RAW and was reportedly reported by TMZ on Monday Morning also.

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He will be Inducted by Hulk Hogan.

That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

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(13 Jan 2015, 3:33 am)Malarkey wrote Ooooooo Yeeeeaaahhhh Macho Man Randy Savage to be finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Just been announced on RAW and was reportedly reported by TMZ on Monday Morning also.

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He will be Inducted by Hulk Hogan.

That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

(13 Jan 2015, 10:38 am)MrFozz wrote That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

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That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

No idea why it has posted twice for.

(13 Jan 2015, 10:38 am)MrFozz wrote That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

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That news is so good, you had to post it twice (once in quote tags) ...

Wonder how its come about now, I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before Vince let Macho Man into the Hall

He was always going to get in eventually. Before his death, he was in talks about coming back in some capacity - he even appeared in a commercial promoting the video game 'WWE All Stars'. As for why he's being inducted now, well, the WWE HOF has promoted either themes or tailored the event around a particular star in recent years. Last year, the Ultimate Warrior was the big star; this year it's Savage. No point in putting them both together when there's money to be made by highlighting both in separate events?

Although I get why he's being inducted by Hulk Hogan, I'd rather see him inducted by his brother (and former WWE Superstar', 'The Genius' Lanny Poffo.