Actually, the battle I’m referring to is the ongoing and perpetually one-sided competition between the bigger two and the rest of the industry. My apologies in advance, but once a year I like to personally push your local indy promotion as a very valid alternative to what you’re being spoon-fed on a weekly basis; this is that week.
Listen, I’m well aware of the fact that if it’s production value, gimmicks, and souvenirs you’re looking for, WWE is absolutely your first choice. Along the same line, if you’re looking to relive the glory days of your youth by basically watching those same wrestlers still compete while trying to appeal to the iPod generation (I can say iPod without being sued, right?), then look no further than TNA. However, if you’re looking to see someone compete solely for the love of competing, perhaps it’s time you head to the community center, plunk down $10 and catch an indy show.
The wrestling will not be what you’re used to, both good and bad. By and large, you’re looking at a group of competitors whose only chance at ever making into a WWE or TNA event is by purchasing a ticket. Most are weekend warriors with little to lose and a genuine love of the competition. Every so often you’ll come across a wrestler who dazzles you and makes you wonder why they haven’t gotten a shot; the rest of the time, you’ll see the volunteer fireman beating up on the guy that works at Best Buy. And, in a sick twist, you’ll sometimes come across guys who, at best, could be compared to an uncomfortable bowel disorder.
Regardless of your motivation, I urge everyone to get out to an indy event this month and really take the chance to enjoy the experience. You will likely have a level of access to the competitors you could never get anywhere else and that’s part of the fun. You will meet folks who genuinely appreciate the opportunity to entertain you and are willing to contort themselves in ways no human should to do so. Go out and support your local underdog this month. WWE and TNA will be waiting for your return.
The Week In Televised Wrestling
Smackdown (1/29)
Very nice offering by Smackdown heading into the Royal Rumble. Hell, any event that is headlined by a Rey Mysterio Jr.-Shawn Michaels match is absolutely worth watching. Actually, from top-to-bottom it was quite an effective program. Perhaps we’re starting to change our position on loading up other WWE brands with Raw talent prior to a pay show. Sure, it steals time away from some brand-loyal Smackdown competitors, but who really needs to see another Slam Master J match? Smackdown easily was WWE’s best broadcast last week and seems to be the brand that would benefit most from talent sharing.
Raw (2/1)
Did anyone ever think that Bret Hart’s triumphant return to WWE would be as part of an angle between two wrestling masters like Batista and John Cena? We’re talking about a man who trained in The Dungeon and rightfully earned the moniker “The Excellence Of Execution.” And, as it stands, he’s the centerpiece of what’s shaping up to be a feud between a paint-less Ultimate Warrior and the guy who gave us the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Wowee!
ECW On Syfy (2/2)
So, we wish we could say that Vince McMahon’s formal announcement of the end of the ECW brand in three weeks was bittersweet, however it feels more like it’s just freakin’ sweet. Like a ghost wandering the land looking for peace before it can finally rest for all of eternity, we at “The Turn” are glad to see the brand finally laid to rest. The only fitting tribute to the bastardized version of something we held so near and dear in Philadelphia would be to have the final segment of the final broadcast somehow involve The Zombie. Rest in peace, real ECW, wherever you are.
Impact (2/4)
It’s a random Thursday in February. There is no pay-per-view this weekend; there is no title on the line. Yet, to watch Kurt Angle’s match against Tomko last night, you would think the guy was an up-and-coming talent making the most of his opportunity to fight on television. While it’s well established that we at “The Turn” have always been big fans of Angle’s, it’s times like this that we’re even more impressed with the 41-year-old. Last night’s win over Tomko wasn’t particularly distinguishable nor was it memorable. But, to watch it was to see arguably the most fundamentally sound guy in the business ply his craft in a way that should make veterans take notice and rookies take notes.
And Finally … With his surprise victory at the Royal Rumble this past weekend, Edge actually joins some elite company. In the 23-year history of the event, only two entrants have gone on to win the Royal Rumble match after entering in the 29-slot. Edge becomes the second man to do so following Brock Lesnar in 2003. Edge also becomes the third Canadian-born wrestler to win the event, joining Bret Hart (tied with Lex Luger in 1994) and Chris Benoit (2004).
