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I had some time on my hands last Thursday night so I clicked over to the Spike Network to see what was happening with the three hour TNA Impact. I checked in with a Knockout moon salting off the top rope and breaking a table under another Knockout on the floor (well things are looking up it wasn’t Cody Deaner). I was half temped to continue switching channels but thought I would give this a minute and was glad I did. As it gave me the chance to see the Angle/Styles match which was the only thing till the end that actually jumped off the screen at me.
This was by far the best wrestling match I had seen on that program in like forever, and it’s a shame with their talent roster they don’t do it more often, but then hey! We wouldn’t have much to complain about.
If I had one minor complaint with this beautifully crafted match it was something I saw happen a couple of times and that complaint more importantly covers about 95 percent of everything out there. I see this happen across the industry to the point of distraction. When a wrestler fires up on offense and finally knocks his opponent to the canvas in some manner or another then why in the hell instead of gyrating and playing to the audience and or the hard camera don’t they try to pin the fallen opponent??? Has anyone explained to them that A, this is how you win a match; B, that pinning him would be the reason you knocked him down in the first place; C, that in a real match, fight, brawl you wouldn’t have time to dance and prance. D, did you knock him down with a baseball bat? If not, then why his he just lying around? Finally E, it disrespects you opponent as it appears you don’t think he is very tough or resilient; so with that in mind if you win who have you beaten? Please someone humor me and save the showbiz stuff for after the final bell has rung and during a match as serious as this one please act like you take it serious as well. The whole industry wide bit of dancing, personal hand signals, shooting baskets, hiding behind your hand and all that is done to death. A quick nod to the audience is one thing, but to have a whole routine is just too, too, much.
In actuality if you hit the cover and even if your opponent kicks out on one instead of the standardized 2 ¾ count which happens 89 times in every show (which is over done as well) it helps the flow of action, and continuity of your match. Standing their gyrating and waiting for him to get up actually loses you some of the heat you have generated and slows the flow and believability of what you are trying to accomplish. My whole point here is that like moonsults, diving through or over the ropes, breaking tables, and 3, 4, 5 way matches it had no special meaning any longer and may even detract from the build of a match. Craziest thing is most have no idea why they do it, or what meaning it has, BUT everyone does it so I do it too is the mentality. Saw someone else do it which was over ten years ago, so we just copy. As crazy as this may sound if a wrestler just came out and wrestled with out all the theatrics and just acted like he wanted to beat his opponent; he would STANDOUT by virtue of that alone. But hey, what do I know?
In the final analysis AJ and Kurt had the best match on Impact in a long time no matter my nit picking and if a young up and coming athlete has to take anything to use from this company; then this match would be that thing they imitate.
I for one knowing both the people involved would love to see a Mick Foley/ Colt Cabana stand up comedy show which is in the works for the near future. Being around Mick and Al Snow a few years back kept me in a jovial mood and laughing.
One thing for sure the Foley/Cabana show will be funnier then the stand up I happen to see on the weekly wrestling shows, as I’m sure it will be more mature.
While on the subject I have wondered how Cabana got away from the creative people in WWE. Let’s face it, he can wrestle and is funny and glib at the same time. A combination that isn’t currently in the WWE stable with possibly the exception of DX; the people on the roster that are the least bit funny are over exposed and can’t wrestle, and those that can do it in the ring aren’t extremely funny. Colt has the right combination and yet creative didn’t have anything for Scotty Goldman?
A couple of tips for those of you who are actually trying to eat properly and add some lean muscle. Found a hell of a deal at my local Sam’s outlet. Five pounds of 100 percent Whey Protein under their house brand “Members Mark”, 75 servings for just $14.91! That’s half the price of the EAS sitting right next to it on the shelf and the nutritional profiles are exactly alike. It is worth joining Sam’s for along with their other values such as five 13 oz cans of white chicken breast for under eleven dollars.
I have also come up with a sweet combination for ingesting a protein snack. The giant chain of super markets based here in Cincinnati, Kroger has a yogurt called “CARBmaster” with only 3 net carbs, 1.5 grams of fat, and 80 calories in flavors. I mix a cup of that with a scoop of the whey protein and it tastes great and gives you 35 grams of protein 200 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 6 grams of carbs. My local Kroger has a sale going on with 3 yogurts for one buck! A tasty combination, good nutrition, and a low cost. Ya gotta love it!
A couple of quick shout outs before wrapping it up this week. A quick recovery for my friend Jim Ross who the industry can’t afford to be without as he is the man when it comes to microphones. Get well JR. Second TNA has taken on one of the best young performers who are currently lacing up their boots, and I so look forward to Desmond Wolf (he’ll always be Nigel to me) and Kurt Angle at their next Pay Per View. Wolf has so earned his spot on a big stage and I hope everyone appreciates the dues he has paid. God bless and good luck to you both.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
For a unique training experience and to up your game book your seminar or weekend training camp with Elite Pro Wrestling Training. EPWT’s instruction is based on the principles of the founders Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Les Thatcher, and former staff member Dr. Tom Prichard. To learn more about the company go to www.epwt.com. To book a seminar or training camp contact Les at les@epwt.com.
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & Instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore, or the PW Insider Super Store.
Harley Race will be appearing at these World League Wrestling events. 11/14 Keokuk, IA. 11/21 Richmond, MO. For details go to www.harleyrace.com.
Thanksgiving weekend Les returns to the Gulf Coast and Pascagoula, MS. For a weekend training camp and show November 27th, 28th, 29th. For information contact John Saxon at johnsaxon4@yahoo.com or call 228-327-7098.
Join Les and host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guests for “Peach Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georigiawrestlinghistory.com.
