Editorial: Hittin' The Ropes #3 - Harrak's Hitlist
Which so much going on this week, I found it ridiculously hard to concentrate on just one topic. Therefore I thought I would go a little old school with this week's article and just take a look at the week in review in Harrak's Hitlist.
– Another week and another sad, sad story involving Scott Hall. A man who was once on the top of the industry, hit bottom years ago and has yet to claw his way back up. No matter how much help he is offered, no matter how much his friends show they care and no matter how many times he embarrasses himself he just does not seem realize the mockery he is making of himself and his legacy in the ring. After this latest incident at TNA's Turning Point PPV, Hall is teetering on the ledge of falling into the Chris Benoit category where the man's demons outside the ring overshadow the man's achievements inside of it.
– A new round of superstars were "future endeavored" this past week and there really weren't too many surprises. Paul London has been in the doghouse for a long time and with The Kendrick's newfound success on the blue brand, it all but sealed the deal. Elijah Burke showed a lot of promise but does anyone even remember him anymore? WWE did a good job of erasing him from their general audience's minds before releasing him. Kenny Dykstra?first the Sprit Squad and then that name. I don't care if he was a great baseball player, that is a HORRIBLE name. Combine that with reported backstage antics of immaturity and I'm surprised he lasted this long. Chuck Palumbo had the look and his feud with Jamie Noble was rather entertaining but he is just a victim of an oversaturated locker room and a failing economy. Just think of all the gas they'll save from not having to fuel his bike for his entrance. I didn't even know Lena Yada existed and Super Crazy was never going to go anywhere in the WWE. Creative got their chuckles with the Mexi-Cools and once they decided to go with the current direction of ECW, there was really no need for him. All in all, these releases were not surprising in the least and I personally would not be surprised to see a lot more after the Rumble. Don't be surprised to see Deuce, Paul Burchill, Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder or any number of the "new talent initiatives" get the boot.
– So Hulk Hogan has supposedly roped Eric Bischoff into buying all of his trademarks so Linda cannot get her hands on them. I say if you can get away with it, go for it. Linda has definitely come off as the heel in this courtroom cage match.
– I am extremely excited for tonight's Lesnar/Couture matchup tonight. I am a huge Randy Couture fan but Lesnar is just a beast. His hands are the size of my head and would honestly say he is much more intimidating than The Big Show. With the 50-75 pound weight advantage for Brock, I don't know if Couture can technique his way out of this one.
– And finally Christian Cage is considering his options upon the eve of the expiration of his TNA contract. Ok, can you really blame him? I have a full time job with one of the largest and most stable companies in the world and I am struggling to make ends meet. Everyone needs to take advantage of whatever opportunity is presented to them. Yes, 3 years ago, Christian made the CREATIVE decision to walk away from a good payday and join the rising TNA, becoming a major star in the process. But today's climate is entirely different and Christian is 3 years older. Plus, with his best friend sitting on top of Smackdown with really only Triple H and Undertaker to contend with, why not take the jump back? right into a main event program. And honestly, TNA really isn't using him right now and haven't been for the past 6 months. Time to move on?or back.
A very wacky week in the world of wrestling (not entertainment) with a new news story breaking everyday and solid programming on all sides. Now as long as the momentum keeps moving forward, we could be in for a very interesting winter.
As always, feel free to email me at HittinTheRopes@yahoo.com with any thoughts, opinions or topics you'd like to see discussed. Also, please check out HittinTheRopes.paidtoblog.com for all my articles along with show reports and other pieces you'll only find there!