Please read this article at the Pro Wrestling Torch - I have dealt for years with questioning and criticism as a wrestling fan, and this is probably the first thing ever (or at least in a very long time) to actually prick my conscience, and to make me realize we in our demands are just as responsible for what these men go through as Vince or anyone else. We pay our dollars for PPVs, merch, videos, tickets, and we add to their ratings (and thus ad revenues) by watching their free programming.

I don't think it's a good idea to stop watching completely, as that will just shut down a business that I feel if properly regulated CAN be great fun for us, and for the performers - but I definitely think I'm going to get on a roll and start a unioinization campaign. All join me! :D

Click here to read Pro Wrestling Insider's analysis of Chris Jericho's appearance as a panelist on CNN-HN's Nancy Grace show last night. It'll help you get a handle on what I'm about to rant about.

It is in fact a very intelligent assessment - an amazing feat considering the utter sensationalistic stupidity of the show itself. Really guys, to anyone who villifies wrestlers, wrestling fans, or others associated with the business as stupid or at least foolish, I think the lot of us have been coming off as more informed and intelligent since the Benoit tragedy than ANYONE in the mainstream media - at least cable news. I have seen and read very little 'out there' that reflects the journalists know a thing about wrestling - nor, in light of a major news story involving it, have they taken the time to do their homework.

Particularly, grating, at least on this panel (besides the thankfully one-of-a-kind Ms. Grace herself, of course), was Louis Fernando Llosa. Mr. Llosa, with all due respect - and that's not much - you're an idiot. A complete and total idiot, an insult to journalism, and thank Christ my husband cancelled his SI subscription or I'd be cancelling it for him. How does an uninformed vegetable like you get hired at such a respectable magazine? Or is wrestling just BENEATH a legit sports reporter like yourself? Are OJ and Tyrell Owens more up your alley, then? Tie Domi? Todd Bertuzzi? Or are you in the dark as to who they are too?

But I digress. Bottom line, folks - anyone who hosts these shows - or, conversely, participates in a panel on one - having done no research disgusts me. If it was Barry Bonds or Wayne Gretsky, or Tom Cruise or Paris Hilton, the effort would be made to know about their life's work (to the extent it's relevant) and the official circumstances surrounding everything.

Nancy Grace citing (several times) rumours that Chris Benoit himself had been murdered when I haven't heard those since late Mon. night, or that just prior to Benoit's death he had been demoted from "the 4 Horsemen to Raw"? Louis Llosa coming on the show not having the foggiest clue about the chronology of the events he was supposed to be commenting on? No surprise the one and only person actually involved in wrestling on the panel came off as the most informed and aware - he WAS the only one who cared enough to think and consider what had happened before going on a show to discuss it.

Look, it's a journalism basic. If a story is worth your time, do your research. Anderson Cooper found covering Paris Hilton the other night distasteful, but he took his time to do it properly. Whether the mainstream media wants to acknowledge it or not, wrestling is a very popular sport with a reasonably large following. That means that there is at least a small but significant portion of society right now having a hard time dealing with a tremendous loss and tragedy - if you can't respect Chris and/or his family and/or those in his profession, at least respect his fans, who are probably frankly the only ones REALLY watching your show(s) on this topic anyway ... and thus bringing in your advertising dollars ... by giving it a fair treatment.

Or give it no mainstream treatment at all. We wrestling fans are used to THAT much. And just as a PS? Don't, DON'T mention names like Owen Hart in the same sentence as drug related wrestling deaths! Although ... why not. It's not like every single one of those panelists - save one - wasn't revealed for the ignorant asses they were during this discussion last night.

Thank you, Chris Jericho - you know, one of those dumb RASSLERS - for being the voice of reason on a hard-hitting, analytical news show. I *heart* Y2J.

Can someone tell me how to reconcile the loathing and sickness I feel towards Chris Benoit and what he did to his wife and especially his child, while still respecting his work in helping younger wrestlers, the validity of his handshake, his work in the ring?

Can someone tell me this was some messed up, drug-induced, out-of-character occurence for him, that he was sick, and that on those grounds I can still love who he seemed to be, what he stood for in the business, minus the last 3-4 days?

Disgusted someone almost 6' tall and 200+ pounds resorted to killing a woman and a VERY young child ... angry at this man for letting down his fans, his colleagues, but most importantly his family and friends ... sad we've lost a great performer ... disappointed a hero can fall so damn far.

Can someome tell me this is just a bad dream? Can I wake up yet?

Hold your loved ones close - make sure they feel safe. It is all our responsibility.

Twice in a little over a year
This is tragic
This time a whole family
At least no grieving widow
To be exploited

Chris was an original
A professional
Whose handshake meant something
In a business where
They were all preludes
To a double-cross

First Sherri, now Chris ...
Vince can we drop it now?
It is offensive to run a death
'Storyline'
When so much real tragedy
Surrounds you

Although I suppose
You might be used to it by now
Shame

OK yeah so I think I've used that as a title before, but it's true this time. It's now the summer and I've got plenty to comment on. I'll be on tomorrow with my Vengeance predics, I just wanted to remind everyone I'm still alive. Teaching just beat the crap out of me for the year and had me down for the count. Anyone from here out who disrespects Matt Striker - I'd pick a career in the ring over this any day. ;)

Anyway ... the one thing I have to comment on is what everyone else is commenting on - the apparent demise of Mr. McMahon (particular method of referral to the Chairman chosen very deliberately). I will echo some sentiments I've read in a few places - I did not have a problem with this angle, and still do not inherently. In fact I think it's a great way to push the envelope and get ratings. Wrestling has been doing that for years, and hell -- just look at Eddie Guerrerro, has been exploiting the concept of death is not new in McMahon-land. However, if we are going to drop all pretense of propriety and out-and-out have death as an angle, then there have to be some boundaries, which WWE has thus far had a mixed bag of following. First of all, the 10-bell salute and overly-serious reaction of announcers and wrestlers is unnecessary. Esoecially in light of "Sensational" Sherri Martel's actual death within days of McMahon's fake one. It should be a much more tongue-in-cheek affair, which they've tried to do in some ways, such as with Cryme Tyme selling off Vinnie's things, and the new WWE.com t-shirt ("I DID IT"). But time will tell how this plays out - they'd better have a good pay-off, though this is WWE. I won't believe it till they do. Not that I believe they won't either, just that they're unpredictable in what they'll do well and what they won't.

RVD is gone, I'm presuming to TNA when he can although those in the know say he's taking some time off and who can blame him. It'll be interesting to see where he winds up. And the draft turned out pretty well. I was concerned at ECW and SD getting the short end of the draft stick with Raw getting built up, but it's kind of understandable in light of the spate of injuries that have hit Raw (not that SD's been unscathed by that either ...), and ECW and SD this week have done pretty well incorporating their new talent into their programming.

I also want to encourage you guys to head over to http://www.worldwrestlinginsanity.com and read Zah's "Shakin' My Head". He's got a very interesting US/Intercontinental dream title tournament going on right now, and every vote counts (three matches in this last bracket were decided by one vote). It's fun and interesting to observe.

As I said -back tomorrow with Vengeance predix.  And just remember - he has died for our sins of criticizing him and his fed, fans, and shall be back to sit in judgement of us non-believers in McMahonism. ;) Cheers.

Well, I know it's been way too long since my last post, but I'm "back and badder than ever" (or is it better than ever?). Yay me!

The bottom line is, I was going to write some flowery post about where I've been and why I haven't kept the site up, but there are no real excuses. I moved in September, I have a new teaching job, and life has just all-around been nuts. Not so nuts, however, that I haven't been able to watch wrestling and be disgusted, and impressed by turns. WWE in my opinion actually ended 2006 on a fairly high note all around, it was like December to Dismember (google it if you want the details -- all around a bad PPV that I won't even waste page space trying to describe here) was rock bottom (apologies to Dwayne Johnson), and it was humming along.

Then the New Year's Day edition of Raw happened. See I know it was a holiday and as such risked being a throwaway show. But when you have such a hyped guest (though God knows why) as Kevin Federline on your show, and a PPV coming up on Sunday ... well it was just poor booking all around. Here's hoping New Year's Revolution gets us off to a better start -- this site included. MY New Year's resolution is to watch more wrestling and keep this site more up-to-date. Starting by this weekend with NYR predix. Check back to see!

And wishing everyone out there (all like, 2 of you) a safe and happy new year). Peace and headlocks, y'all!

So ... I've been out of the loop the last couple weeks on the blog because I've been finangling a deal and I've pretty much hit on it. I will be cohosting the "Voice of Wrestling" this week on http://www.wrestlingradionetwork.com with Nick "The Man of 1000 Names" at a special time from 6 pm Eastern. This is the flagship show of the WRN, brought to us for a long time by Mr. Chris Cash (aka Chris Chisum), and now that he's taking an indefinite (possibly permanent) sabbatacle, I will be stepping in with his co-host, and now host, Nick, at least this week and hopefully more longterm as we go. So be sure and tune in at 6 pm tomorrow night, again, at wrestlingradionetwork.com.

Meanwhile though it's been a lousy two weeks to be busy finalizing that type of shee-it. With Kurt Angle going to TNA in what is easily the biggest jump between WWE and TNA, and Vince McMahon giving an honest and intelligent -- though somewhat hypocritical -- interview on WWE.com, lots has been going down. Oh and we can' forget (as if WWE would let us) that John Cena's "The Marine" is coming out in theatres next Friday! Wheee. I can't wait. And I'm sure, neither can any of you.

So let me just address those two pieces of news quickly before issuing my predictions for the Smackdown "No Mercy" pay-per-view tonight. First, Angle: I am taking such a "wait and see" approach here. The man left the WWE because he was practically a cripple. He will be lucky, at this point, to see out this decade without at least being in a wheelchair. He's a young man with a young family and a bright future, if he could just moderate himself. Thus, my first instinct seeing him go to TNA was "Crap. Would you TAKE TIME OFF already before you kill yourself?" But then I started looking at the bigger picture -- TNA involves a lighter workload, and their talent is much better able to 'go' in the way and style and speed Angle goes, than a lot of the WWE behomeths. Thus it would be easier for him to attain the 5-star matches he so desires, without having to carry it entirely on his all-too-fragile back. And there's no saying he'll start wrestling right away, and all signs point to his in-ring debut being at least 6 weeks away -- he'll be a special enforcer at "Bound for Glory", and I suspect his first actual match will be the following pay-per-view. Hopefully that will give his body some time to heal.

AND it's still 'fake' wrestling, where everyone ideally looks after each other, at least within the ring, and that's certainly better than the alternative, MMA, that Angle was looking into, where he'd be liable to be killed as well as not. But it's still a risky move from someone who by all intents and purposes should be retired and at most working as some kind of manager or coach or talent scout at this point. It's a very 'iffy' scenario, where I could easily see the man going nuts just sitting at home, but can also see him dying very prematurely, and perhaps before our very eyes, in the ring. There is some comfort I have no affect or impact on this decision one way or another, and it HAS already been made -- so at this piont I suppose all any of us can do is to sit back, enjoy watching this true talent perform, and pray he made the right decision for himself and his family. Good luck, Kurt -- I'm still afraid you're going to need at least a little of it.

Quickly addressing the VKM interview at wwe.com, now: I find it interesting how he talked about his concern for Angle, and how you don't want to see anyone be unable to hold their children or to walk at such a young age, and that's what he's afraid will happen to him ... yet, he still fires people for taking time off with injuries, he still has his company on probably the most extensive travel program in the world, and he still keeps known injury machines like Mark Henry et al on his roster, and issues slaps on the wrist to folks who fail the "Wellness Program" drug testing (although we've only been through one round, which is strictly suspension of pay -- we'll see if heads start rolling come the second round, as they should). But more importantly, he truly believes that, yet has no kind of benefits/health package for his wrestlers, and still treats them as independent contractors instead of employees. The hypocrisy drips from this man ...

That said, one thing that also rings hypocritical, but which I hope is less an indication of self-contradiction and MORE an indication of realizing some things need to be adjusted, were comments Vince made about listening to fans -- how Katie Vick amused him, but not other viewers, and how it's fans who make the stars (even putting forward Finlay as perhaps a future top-level guy -- someone I'd have never seen him get behind before). His comments about tightening up wwe.com and his ideas for doing so were well-founded, and using himself as an example and how he was overexposed on the site, I hope, is an indication of him taking a step back or two from here out. I'm very concerned about his comments about the women's division -- how men in the demographic he's reaching out for simply want to see the sexiest women in the world, and it has evolved away from wrestling -- because it's simply not true. But if Vince puts some punch behind his words ... he was definitely humming the right tune for a change.

OK. So that wasn't so very 'brief', but now that I have those thoughts off my chest, on to HONESTLY short-winded "No Mercy Predix"

World Heavyweight Champion Booker T vs. Batista vs. Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley
If they go the obvious route, the belt will end up on Batista, he's who they've been playing up. If they want to go 'red herring', watch for Finlay to get it in an upset, ruining his friendship with the King.

Ken Kennedy vs. Undertaker
Undertaker doesn't lie down for anyone, certainly not someone who's ACTUALLY talented like Ken Kennedy. Look for UT to go over here.

Falls Count Anywhere: Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero
Look for Rey to win this one and end this feud -- already gone on too long and been too disrespectful in the eyes of many fans to Eddie's memory. The very light mentioning of Eddie during Friday's SD shows they're finally ready to move on.

MVP Makes his In-Ring Debut
Well this all depends on who he's facing, doesn't it? Expect the new guy who they've been pushing to win, the only possible exceptiong being if it's against some major name like Chris Benoit. And even then, look for it to be a very competitive match.
World Heavyweight Championship (Fatal Four Way)
King Booker (c) vs. Batista vs. Finlay vs. Lashley

WWE Tag Team Champions London & Kendrick vs. KC James & Idol Stevens
If the past is any indication, look for KC and Idol to win the belts and L&K to break up within the week ... what? Cynical? Okay okay, but James and Idol will win the titles as the heels to keep up this feud I think.

Gregory Helms vs. Matt Hardy
Not sure if this is for the cruiserweight title or not -- if so, expect Matt to go over; the fact they only put this title on the line TO change champs and reinvigorate the division is sign enough. Otherwise, the burial of Hardy continues.

Look out for ...
One more impromptu/bonus match; 6 matches is a pretty light card for the WWE of late ... and a possible Kane and/or Umaga appearance, as one of them will end up on SD after tomorrow and a new feud will need to be started accordingly (maybe in the UT-Kennedy match?)

OK so that wasn't brief either but it was as much as I could make it. Remember to tune in to VOW tomorrow (details above) and I shall see y'all later. Peace! (And fellow Canucks: Happy Turkey Day!).

OK so before I begin previewing tonight's TNA PPV, let me get one thing off my chest: as of this week Kurt Angle has confirmed his intention to return to action ... in the MMA world (think Pride fighting, UFC, etc). Dude, if working in a 'fake' sport where everyone is ultimately protecting one another, managed to get you sidelined with some very bad physical injuries, there's no way you can last in UFC without badly shortening your life.

Now before I get hated on for that paragraph, that's not to dispute Angle's pro wrestling skills, the hard work and drive he showed through his career, or to put down his toughness. Obviously he's one of the baddest dudes in the country to have won the Olympic gold medal in wrestling, and to then perform at such full throttle (no one suggests he's taken a Hulk Hogan or Kevin Nash-esque easy ride) as he has in pro wrestling. He definitely has a high risk style. But at least in pro wrestling if you need an easier night now and then -- you *could*, in theory, get one.  No one's looking out for you in MMA. Oh Kurt ... with a young daughter and a little boy on the way, I fear you won't see out this decade. Given the extent of your injuries, really I don't need to be a doctor to know you should probably at least be off 1-2 years, if not permanently. I just hope you don't come to regret this decision. I can't watch.

Anyway ... on with the TNA "No Surrender" predix.

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

This could in theory be any number of things -- a new timeslot on Spike, an extension to a two hour show (or a second show), a major new signing (like Bill Goldberg), or what have you. Given Vinnie Russo's going to be at the show tonight, I think we've got ourselves a new TNA head writer or executive producer or something of that ilk -- wihch could be good, or could be less so. Hear me out, I truly belive Russo is the best at his style of writing, at what he does -- the WWE-style soap opera-esque, "real people being real" brand of writing. BUT, I also don't think TNA's best chances of success lie in mimicking the WWE. They lie in promoting themselves as an alternative, something different from WWE. JR's right when he says you can't out-WWE the WWE, and that's all Russo's going to do. Although I will say -- if TNA ends up folding in the coming months, I will never be convinced again that he's not a double agent for Vince McMahon. His great writing work for the WWE rapidly went down hill with WCW, and his showing at TNA before was just weak. We'll see. Enh ... the fact I'm talking about a major announcement before the matches on a TNA card doesn't really bode well. But movving on ...

ULTIMATE X MATCH: LAX VS. AJ STYLES AND CHRISTOPHER DANIELS

I expect this'll be an awesome match. Konnan's not a bad wrestler, and Styles and Daniels are obviously tremendous. And I kinda like the Ultimate X format. I look for S&D to go over here; it's their niche, their backyard in terms of the style of match. It should be exciting to watch.

TNA CHAMPION JEFF JARRETT VS. SAMOA JOE

Given they're already touting Jarrett vs. Sting next month, I'm pretty confident (unfortunately) about who's leaving with the title in this one. I just hope they don't hand Joe's streak (one of the more prestigious wins you can get in TNA right now) to Double J, who really doesn't need any more of a rub than he's already got (just as I don't want to see Umaga's streak ended by Triple H, or the Masterlock broken out of by Trips when it's been protected for so long); I'm hoping this is some kind of DQ or countout win for Joe, that he's thrown into the Sting-Jarrett match next month, and that he takes it at Bound for Glory -- TNA's Wrestlemania, and a good new start for everyone to finally let the uncrowned king of TNA, the champion in waiting for a very long time, ascend his throne.

X DIVISION CHAMPION SENSHI VS. CHRIS SABIN

I suspect we'll see Chris Sabin pull it out here -- I don't tend to like seeing belts change hands too fast, but Senshi's held the belt most or all of the summer now, and having a few people be legitimate X Division championship contenders would actually make the division more prestigious right now, and bring it back to the forefront where it belongs, as a showcase of the difference between TNA and WWE. For the record: if Kevin Nash is returning to TNA and not negotiating with WWE as rumoured, look for his return to be here.

RHINO VS. CHRISTIAN CAGE

Expect the winner here to sort of predict where the championship scene is going to go in coming months: once the Jarrett-Joe-Sting dust settles, these are two top contenders, and it will be very telling as to whether the heel or face comes out on top here. Or maybe not quite so much as it would be in WWE, since TNA doesn't have such black and white lines (just look at Joe) in that sense. I'll predict Rhino getting the duke here, as I think this feud's been going on awhile and ready to end.

ABYSS VS. RAVEN VS. BROTHER RUNT

What a bloody mess this one'll be! But a good one for people who like this kind of match (have to admit to respecting them, but getting a bit squeamish about this type of style myself these days). I'm going to predict Abyss to come out on top here, I think -- haven't been following the contours of this feud as closely as I should, but just looking at the names I'll hazard a guess for him.

PETEY WILLIAMS VS. JAY LETHAL

I'm thinking Petey'll come out on top here, especially predicting Sabin coming out with the X Division title. Bam, we have our new title feud.

ERIC YOUNG VS. A1

I have to admit to knowing nothing about this match. I find Young incredibly entertaining when I catch him, but I really don't know how this feud has been going, for how long, who they're pushing, etc. I'll say Eric will win, as he seems to be on a roll from what I can tell, but again, similar to the three-way match, it's somewhat guessing.

18 TEAMS FOR A TAG TITLE SHOT BATTLE ROYAL

What a great concept, that WWE could really take note of to jump start it's highly sad (though improving!) tag team division. I'm going to predict AMW here if the champs retain, the James Gang if LAX wins.

Well, I have to say "Unforgiven" was pretty awesome, and it was a true experience to be there live to support our hometown boy and girl, Edge and Trish. The rest of the matches were pretty hot too, and call it having my head turned by being there live, but I would say this was definitely the best single-brand PPV put out by WWE this year, and possibly the best PPV of the year, period -- it's at least up there. As disappointing as the result in the main event was -- John Cena regaining the WWE title -- Cena still did step up to the plate, prove his detractors wrong once again ... and at some point, we need to respect this dude. He works his ass off, and we can criticize the gimmick all we want, but he's trying to be the wrestler we all want him to be. He deserves props for that. I ended up not cheering either man per se by the end of this match, but cheering the action itself.

Biggest pop of the night goes to Trish ending her match with Lita with a Sharpshooter. I know a lot of the American wrestling fans I talk to don't get why that was such a 'pop' moment, which proves maybe what Trish said to 'Live Audio Wrestling' right after the PPV: 'it's a Canadian thing'. But to give Trish and Lita an 18-minute match, which ended in that manner ... it was incredible. And the rest of the card had many pleasant surprises: Umaga-Kane had a tremendous big-man match. I think Kane's having his status as resident monster challenged after a couple of lacklustre years has put a real fire back under him, as his performances against Umaga have really stepped up compared to past recent performances. Orton-Carlito was a strong match, though I wish they hadn't taken away from Trish's TV time to cut to such a heelish promo on Orton's part. The Highlanders-Spirit Squad was ... well, it was. And it didn't suck. In fact it was a real old school tag team match, which was kind of neat to see. Although I don't get the logic to keeping the belts on the squad ... unless with the Hardys likely reuniting, Cryme Tyme coming back, etc., maybe they are actually going to spend some time building up the tag division now.

Speaking of the Hardys ... I loved Jeff's match with Johnny Nitro, it was a risk to open with this one since Jeff has a way of missing spots and Johnny, while a tremendous talent, is still fairly green. But they truly impressed, and it was a trip down nostalgia road for me, a charter member of the infamous "Matt Board", to see the old Team Xtreme -- Jeff/Matt/Lita -- reunite. I wish they'd just done more with that. It should have built to the Hardys interfering in the Lita-Trish match, or the TLC match with Lita's man Edge, or at LEAST the Hardys defending themselves/harping on Lita after she walked away -- but it came to nothing. And with Jeff going solo again the next night on Raw ... it made little to no sense. But not a whole lot of Raw did -- which we'll get to in a minute.

The last thing I want to mention is the Hell in a Cell match. I was really afraid they'd put the HIAC and TLC matches *boom* *boom* one after the other, which would be a huge specialty-match and high spot overload for us fans. But they didn't, and the HIAC got the earlier, arguably less-prestigious, spot on the card. Which given the egos of the Helmsley-McMahons, impressed me greatly. The faces got their win, and despite the lack of the expected major bumps off the top of the (new, bigger, harder-to-video-record-through) HIAC, it was still a bloody massacre. My only complaint was that Big Show went the opposite direction from Kane: despite months of trying to reestablish himself as a dangerous monster who deserves to be on the extreme ECW show, he takes one ball shot and is down for six minutes. How do you figure he'll be received by ECW fans upon his return? Boo! Still, while I missed Shane McMahon and/or Shawn Michaels taking some wicked bumps, I understand that with two high impact matches on the card wanting to save a few sick ones for the later match; and it was still the bloodbath massacre we expect HIACs to be anyway.

Which brings me BRIEFLY to the TLC match before going on to rant about the much less satisfying Raw; Edge was genuinely touched by the fans' reception of him, and what wasn't seen on TV was him waving to us as he left; he was truly over, and he and Cena both proved they deserve to be in the spots their in -- I just hope Edge's championship days aren't behind him, and that we'll ultimately see and Edge-Triple H title program soon ... that's what I hope WM 23 is building to. And speaking of build, I thought Raw would be something tremendous. With a huge amount of momentum coming out of a stellar PPV, and the always-rockin' Montreal crowd, I figured this would be a great show. And judging from the opener, I figured it would be. I LOVED how Edge was greeted as a hero by the fans while Cena was booed out of the building practically, and in a 5-second promo about how Montreal wasn't Canada, and he wouldn't fight Cena 'for these Kermits, ribbit ribbit', managed to turn the crowd against him instantly. While it's sad to see how easily manipulated we wrestling fans are, it was a GREAT instant switch, a great heat generator ... and probably not even for the reasons the Yank fans would think.

But then who gets involved but Cade and Murdoch? I'll jump on the band wagon with the sentiments of -- great tag team and would love to see them in a tag team title program soon with say the Highlanders or the Hardys or Cryme Tyme or whoever. But they've been off TV (maybe they've been on Heat?) for months ... they do one run-in on Edge's behalf, and they're in the main event with DX, Edge and Cena? Nooo. And with that, the energy, for me, was sucked out of Raw *just like that* (thanks Trish). The rest of the show had its moments -- the six man IC title match was a tremendous match that they gave a good chunk of time to as a TV match; giving a start to a Lita-Mickie James feud makes sense if they're wanting to keep the women's division alive now that Trish has exited; etc. But the constant video messages to the McMahon's (especially giving Shelton Benjamin such a crappy reintroduction to the TV audience as to play the race card when questioning why he hasn't gotten a push), the involvement of Cade and Murdoch in the main event, etc., was no way of following up such a fresh-seeming PPV. It was a great new start, and then more of the same -- Edge-Cena isn't over, DX is still after the McMahons, Umaga-Kane are still unresolved ... yes, a big complaint is that WWE's hotshotted angles and doesnt' give feuds enough time, and they're trying to do that, but so much feels stale now, they should have continued on the new path they'd beaten for themselves Sunday night. Hopefully this was just an off night and they will.

For the record, the last thing I want to note -- I think Shawn Michaels has finally been forgiven in Montreal, judging by the pop DX got when they showed up. 'Montreal is HBK Country' is not a sign I ever expected to see. As a Shawn fan, I was so excited ... I can only imagine Bret Hart is disappointed in his fellow Canadians on the one hand ... but on the other hand he obviously managed to get over this at least a year or two ago; maybe it is (shock of shocks) indeed time for us to do so as well. Vince, you might want to get this message before you return to Montreal for Survivor Series next year, on the 10th anniversary of the Screw Job: we're all over it, including the players involved. Maybe you finally should be too.

Wellity wellity wellity ... needless to say I was quite disappointed in myself that, just as I decided life had become flexible enough to take my blog off hiatus, BOOM! A move and a new job, which I knew would take a toll, have really eaten up my last month. And while i'm glad of that -- always happy to stay busy and keep moving -- I've missed my rasslin'. I also have to admit that until this week I wouldn't have been in a position to comment on much; we only just got our satellite feed set up last Sunday.

But here I am on the eve of Unforgiven, the first pay-per-view I'll be attending live in ... God ... well, my last live PPV was under WCW auspices so let that tell you what it will, I guess. But I'm here tonight, I will be there tomorrow, and without further ado, here is what I believe I will see, live and in person -- HOOOO-RAH (sorry Miz)!

TLC MATCH: WWE CHAMPION EDGE VS. JOHN CENA

Sadly, as Dr. Thuggypants lost in his hometown last month, so Edge will tomorrow night. It doesn't make sense, as there are many more potential feuds with Edge as champ right now -- both DX members ... Jeff Hardy ... Carlito ... who would John Cena feud with? Uuuuuuuuuuuuma ... oh God. Oh God. Moving on.

HELL IN A CELL: DEGENERATION X VS. VINCE & SHANE MCMAHON

First of all I have to say, be prepared for there to be no face in this match. It's Canada, people, and everyone in that ring screwed over our homeboy. I woulnd't be surprised if everyone walks out in protest on this match. Now I like H and Shawn (probably the only Canadian who does), so I wouldn't do that. But that said, in terms of this feud ... please let this be the end. Let DX go over, let Shane or Steph turn on Daddy, let the McMahons have their own dysfunctional angle and let Shawn and Triple H -- two bonafied, certified legends in the business -- fight guys who deserve that rub more than the frigging WWE chairman, who can give himself his own rub whenever he wants to. Oooh that didn't come out right. Again ... let's move on.

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION JOHNNY NITRO VS. JEFF HARDY

I honestly don't care in many ways who wins this match, it's just going to be damn good. My only concern now becomes the fact we've already seen it. But they're good athletes and entertaining (Jeff's 'watching paint dry' schtick is hilarious), so either way the company wins. I think Jeff's going to win, because WWE seems determined to give him the comeback his older brother should have gotten. If *I* were booking this match and HAD to choose a winner myself though, I would probably lean slightly towards Nitro - yes Jeff's hot right now and a title change is always at least somewhat good for a short-term surge in business. But Nitro's improving with every match and deserves a sustained push, while Jeff Hardy could start no-showing any day now. Give it awhile till his loyalty to the company is proven ... or at least until the inevitable Hardy reunion happens.

WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPION LITA VS. TRISH STRATUS

The result here is kind of irrelevant, as win or lose Trish will be leaving anyway after tomorrow night to get married and pursue other ventures (probably read: acting). That said, I wouldn't mind seeing her win it, just to rejuvenate the women's division. While Lita's title reign is relatively short and creating some longevity there -- unlike her previous reigns -- would be good, I'm also thinking after Trish, Lita has nowhere to go. Having the title held up and a tournament for the gold could create some new rivalries -- Lita vs. Melina anyone?

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SPIRIT SQUAD VS. THE HIGHLANDERS

The Scottish Bushwackers will win the belts. The Squad will break up within weeks -- possibly Monday night. One of the least probable but most entertaining gimmicks (until they became DX's whipping boys) will come to an end. And for these 4 young talents who most likely hope not to be tarnished by this reputation, it can't happen a moment too soon.

CARLITO VS. RANDY ORTON

I would like to see Randy go under here, especially since by rights he should be suspended since failing a drug test (yes he's working for free, with only his travel expenses covered and no downside, but he still gets his push and an A-level match that will make him look good). But he's the exact kind of guy Vinnie Mac is nuts about -- look for this to NOT be cool.

KANE VS. UMAGA

Ugh. And Vince probably thinks this is the hottest thing going. Who cares? Now that I've said that, this match DOEs count for a little something. It is really, probably, a competition for next IC spot. And in that sense, I actually kinda hope Umaga wins. Young, apparently talented (as much as WWE doesn't let him show it), and being pushed at least somewhat correctly as a monster -- more than WWE's been able to say about Kane in years. Still, do not look for a wrestling clinic with this one. Worst match of the night right here -- and probably the PPV opener.