The "New" Ring Of Honor

On September 26Th 2009, at the Manhattan Center New York City, ROH will say good by to too of its very best. Destined for the WWE, Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness will wrestle there last Ring Of Honor match, against one an other infront of a sold out crowd, to conclude the "Final Countdown" tour.

While for Danielson this move makes perfect sense, he's achieved everything he ever could on the indy circuit, had great matches with almost everyone to ever step into a ROH ring and made about as much money as anyone could expect to working sometimes in front of as little as 500 fans. In all honestly Dragons loyalty and determination can not be called into consideration, he wanted to be a champion in Japan, and new this couldn't happen with the WWE, so despite there interest, he hang around to fulfil this goal. Also, despite William Regal talking him to the WWE, and JR singing his praises for the best part of two years now, he stayed to pursue the tag titles, maybe be a two time champion, and help establish Tyler Black. It seems fitting that Danielson will in fact work his final months with the company without a contract, it optimises his attitude, he's owes this company nothing, yet stays for his love and passion for it. At only 28, and his body still reasonably intact, now seems the perfect time to slow down, while still taking a run and being a major household name in Pro-Wrestling.

As for Nigel? Well he certainly wont be calling the WWE Universe "Wankers", nor will he be shouting "Up Yours everyone!" during his entrance and using that familiar "V" has his hand gesture. Factor in his references to veterans like Jerry Lynn as "Geritol Lynn", and its fair to say he probably wont be getting too much face time with Triple H and the likes, but what Nigel does have that the WWE will like, is there style of ring work. He has been criticized in ROH for his over use of his lariats, but his slower style will fit in with the WWE, he garners great heat, and even tho it was such a long time ago now, he was one of Ring of Honor's more popular baby faces at a time. Some have labeled Nigel a "big man wrestler" in fact rumour is that William Regal has been pushing for him to be brought is as just that, if they use him as a power house, he'll be there second best one, easily.

What of Ring Of Honor then? Losing to former champs, and two of there biggest names, well, keep strong and carry on. Lets take a look at though's who most need to step up and fill the void.

5) Mark and Jay, The Briscoe Brothers.

With two of the premier single performers in ROH gone, the tag team division will need to show why it has always been called just as important as the World Title. With Mark now back from injury, The Briscoe's are arguably as over as they've ever been, and a money feud between them and The American Wolves, or the emerging "Young Bucks" and "Dark City Fight Club" could ease the blow substantially.

4) Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards, The American Wolves.

Speaking of the tag team division, 2009 tag team of the year contenders, Edwards and Richards, have more than stepped up there game, and with a "tag team classic" in Toronto against Black and.....Danielson already in the bank, they preppier to step into Ladder War II against Steen and Generico in Manhattan, which has to be a memorable match to end that feud. Richards is undoughtably the better of the two, and following his MOTY contender with KENTA in Houston, he has "Future World Champ" written all over him, however the timing of any break up for that singles run is more than crucial.

3) Chris Hero

Jerry Lynn is aging, Danielson and Nigel are leaving, Aries is champ, but who will Black Wrestle when he wins it? Apparently the penny dropped for Hero when he saw a lack of main eventers in ROH and picked up his act. "That Young Knock out Kid" has a nice ring to it, and with the gimmick of Mitsuharu Misawa having handed down to him the green elbow pad, he has a complete heel package that could see him move above the likes of Roderick Strong, Brent Albright, Colt Cabana and Claudio Castagnoli out of the mid-card to a fuller role. His recent outing with KENTA showed his main event potential, that needs to be fulfilled. Who's Pearce's Hero?

2) Austin Aries

"A-Double" has re-invented himself more than enough times during what is still a relatively short carear, but the "Greatest man who ever lived" can acredit just that to why he is the first two time Ring of Honor World Champion. He stepped up his game, made himself fresh, and got over all over again. Jerry Lynn was never the fans first choice to beat Nigel, but neither was Aries, so why is no one complaining now? Cause he's that good. He'll surely now be the champion to give Black his moment, but when then moment will be is any ones guess, it couldn't be in Manhattan to truly make that a membrable night could it? We'll see, what ever happens, Aries will be just as vital to ROH after his title run, as during it.

1) Tyler Black

The chant "NEXT WORLD CHAMP! NEXT WORLD CHAMP!" has been going around for so long it may be starting to lose credibility, but Tyler isn't. ROH on HD-Net may not be the most important part of Ring of Honor, but when Tyler edged Danielson in a decider between the two, the torch was passed, Black was the golden boy, and over the next few years he will have to prove it. Still ridiculously young, he has the weight of a company on his shoulders and the pressure to do as Dragon did, have great matches with, any size, any time. When Black becomes the World Champion he will have stop being carried and start carrying, his time is coming and he seems to be ready.

But will these men be enough? Is the lose of Danielson, one of only three men to have competed on ROH's first ever show, too much to overcome? Can Nigel's heat and charisma be replaced in a dressing room lacking in mic skills? People asked the same questions when CM Punk, Homicide and Samoa Joe left, you remember the ROH "Icons/Kings" right? To get answers to these questions, ask a ROH fan how many of them thought "Mclarriet" would have stepped up and become the second longest reigning champion ever. Some one will step up, more than likely there name is above, but we'll see.

- Richard Lewis

Steve De Marco Interview:

We Love Lillian pulls up a chair in the Lucha Lounge and talks; Internet fans, "The Wrestler", Booker T, HBK, and much more, with the ever cool, ever classy and ever....sexy, Steve De Marco


Steve De Marco has made an impact, on Independent Wrestling, and the Internet wrestling scene. A PCW Grand Slam Champion, and a former NWA Texas Champion, you may think De Marco has no time for talking to the masses via youtube, then alone a day job? To find out more i spoke to Steve:

RL: Do people at your regular job know about you’re wrestling? How do they feel about it? And has there ever been a stray “Sexy Kick” pulled out at the office?

SD: Actually a few people do. My boss and some of the higher ups. They're supportive and allow me to take time when I need it, but I never want to abuse that privilege. It's funny. A bunch of attorneys that I worked a trial with actually got wind of my wrestling and the footage on youtube and wanted to check it out. They got a major kick out of it and actually call me "Sexy Steve" whenever they see me now. It's like I'm a superhero with a secret identity. I've been asked if I'd pull out the "Sexykick" on some of my co-workers.

RL: OK. So now moving towards how this journey of yours began, What’s you’re earliest memories of watching pro wrestling? And Who were you’re favourite wrestlers to watch growing up, would you say you’ve based you’re current style on any of them?

SD: I wanna say that the first memory of watching wrestling was watching the NWA Heavyweight Title match between Ric Flair and Kerry Von Erich at the David Von Erich Memorial show at Texas Stadium. I also remember watching alot of NWA/WCW Saturday Night that showed on TBS on Saturday afternoons. My first live event was Clash of Champions X, which was quite memorable due to Sting being kicked out of the Four Horsemen. As for favourite wrestlers growing up, Flair, Steamboat, Sting, Warrior, Hogan, Michaels were all up there with Sting being at the top of the list. As I grew older, guys like Jericho, Guerrero, Hart, Michaels (again), the Hardys, Austin and the Rock were guys I looked at. I would say that I take a bit of inspiration from all of them, but Michaels is the guy that I would emulate the most.

RL: So a lot of different guys with a variety of different styles, would u credit any of them with your decision to become a wrestler? Or was that more a thing based on a love of the business more than personal inspiration from one guy?

SD: I'd say that Shawn Michaels played a part due to his size. I saw him as more of a body size I could attain, which might have nudged me in that direction. The truth is that I've always had a passion for it. Always wanted to do it. It was something inside me, but Michaels made me go from wanting to be a wrestler, to having to be a wrestler.

RL: So you join the many many wrestlers that have said Shawn Michaels had a big role in their decision to enter the business. I'd like to touch on something else you said there, that there was something inside you that pulled you towards wrestling, do you believe that’s something fans and wrestlers alike share? A burning passion for wrestling? Can people make it n the business without it?

SD: I believe that is the common denominator within fans and wrestlers, the passion has to be there. Why else be involved? Why else watch? I think there have been instances where guys have made it into a big fed and not been completely passionate about it, but they are the exception. I believe to truly make it you have to have a passion for it.

RL: Very well said. It seems that a lot of older guys in wrestling today seem to have abit of a backlash towards internet fans, you’re proberly one of the best unbiased guys to ask this too, does the internet get a hard time from guys with in the business? Aren't they just fans with a passion voicing it? Or are these guys rite? The internet is just full of Marks who are ruining wrestling?

SD: A very thought provoking question to say the least. I think the internet fans can get a bum rap at times because I think as a whole they are fans that are enjoying the product and they do have views that are passionate. Take the old ECW crew which was filled with guys who were passionate and critical but enhanced the show. That's a good example of fans being marks but still being extremely respectful to what we, as wrestlers, do. On the other hand, I've been in conversations with a few friends who are not in the business but are marks and the conversations can get infuriating because they feel they know more, when I'm the one who's been doing it for close to 9 years. I know being in the business for any length of time puts you in a bubble and you don't necessarily want an "outside" opinion. The only issue that I've ever had is that there is a percentage of internet fans out there that are NEVER happy with anything that the product produces. They just want to complain about all of it. It kind of hurts the community's cause because then it makes the wrestler not want to listen. Being that I do the Lucha Lounge and I have a myspace, it has opened me up to listening to what the internet fans have to say. It's a fine line because in the end the wrestler gets paid to entertain, and most of the internet fans are paying to see the wrestler.

RL: How convenient of you to use the words "The Wrestler" we'll get to that later. So would you say that openining up of you listening to fans is what you get from the Lucha Lounge? What made you decide to jump on Youtube, make a page and openly talk about the business? It’s a pretty rare thing to do, I can’t think of anyone else who does it, and dought ever will.

SD: I think the Lucha Lounge just helps me open up to my audience and really earn a new audience through it. I think I've gained fans from all over and it's just interesting to see what Youtube has become. Honestly, the concept is in large part due to Ash (my former valet, Tavia, who passed on March 8, 2008). I went to her asking her for advice on how to make wrestling more fun and give people a different perspective. She's what drove me to really get on Youtube. My viewers and subscribers help keep me on. As long as there is something to talk about, I'm sure I'll continue doing it.

RL: It is a noble cause, would you continue it if you were in a WWE or TNA locker room? Have you ever received heat backstage over it? I'd imagine some wrestlers dislike it as it breaks kayfabe? Or is Kayfabe a dead as everyone says?

SD: I think it would depend. Ultimately I would hope I could continue to do both. It isn't like I'm giving away any secrets or anything...just my opinion. Funny you ask, I got some heat for mentioning Booker's school in a Q&A and not by anyone at PWA. I got it from another promotion that had started using me. They claimed that it was a conflict of interest to use me on their show if I was going to promote PWA's wrestling academy. What made me scratch my head about the whole thing is that I had done the Q&A some time before working for the other promotion, and I even mentioned them on vids. Go figure. I wouldn't say kayfabe is dead; it just may be on life support.

RL: So then people from within the business check out the Lucha Lounge? Certainly does seem like a way to get your name out, speaking of which, have you ever worked here in the UK? Especially after "That" Summerlam in '92, do you think we're an untapped market for the mainstream wrestling company's?

SD: I know of some that do watch it on a regular. They'll quote something from the video or ask me what got me into it. I even list that I'm from the Lucha Lounge just to build interest and get people talking. I've never worked in the UK, although I'd definitely like the opportunity to do so at some point. I do believe that the UK is an untapped market.

RL:I can imagine it is a talking point, as I said earlier, not every wrestler is on youtube openly taking fans questions, and talking about the ins and outs of being a wrestler. Speaking of which, have you seen "The Wrestler"? Is it a fair reflection of what life can be like for some guys in the industry? Or is it like JBL has suggested, a reflection of what it used to be, before it thankfully moved on?

SD: I did see "The Wrestler" on-line at Megavideo, but only because the movie has yet to have a Showtime here. I will go watch it again when it's released here. I think it is a fair reflection for some guys back in the day. I would say that I can see some similarities between Mickey Rourke's character and some of the veterans I've crossed paths with. I don't believe that guys of this generation go through what he went through, but there are some similarities. The business is different in some respects.

RL: One thing i’d like to ask from a personal point of view is what do wrestlers think about the PWI 500, and Dave Metzlers 5 star rating system? I’ve seen interviews in the past where the likes of CM Punk and Samoa Joe wernt over awed by reciving a 5 star match award, is this a common thing in the buisness? Is it all about the performance more than the actual rewards? Are you proud of you’r championship wins? Or more so of entertaining the people who saw thoss matches. What i mean is (and no offense by it) any championship a wrestler wins, they ddint actually “win” in a contest, they were awarded it, so what are you’re feelings afterwards? Are the tears and so on legit when guys pull that out? did the PWI 500 hold big significance for you when you were mentioned in it?

SD: I think the star rating has it's good and bad points. I don't really know of anyone within my circle or group that pays attention to a star rating. I mean we aren't really aware of the rating that a match is given. The only we can tell if the match was good or not was strictly by the fans' reaction. I'll ask guys about my performance and what they thought, especially the veterans or guys who are up in a big company, as well as my opponent. So, the short answer is it's more about the performance rather than the awards. I'm proud of my championship wins. They're some of my fondest memories. Maybe not every title win, but most of them. I feel that when a company bestows a belt on you, they are saying that they believe that you can carry it. That you're the face of the company or the division or what have you. My feelings are usually a feeling of accomplishment. When I won the PCW title at XXXMas 2004, for instance, I did have tears. It was just the entire moment. There I was, having gone through 3 very different opponents in one night, and having been put over on Hernandez (when at the time he hadn't lost to anyone at PCW). I was excited about the win and very touched that the company put it on me. I believe, even if some consider it a prop, that the person holding the belt can make it important and seem legit. That's what I've always aspired to do. As for the PWI 500, it's cool anytime I'm mentioned on there. I felt it was cool to be put on the PWI the times that I was. It definitely was pretty significant for me, because then I started to feel like I was getting noticed. It helps when someone within a promotion submits stuff and gets themselves on PWI's radar, because then it helps that promotions roster.

RL: Ok then, i'd like to go through a few names at you for a quick round of word assosiation if you wouldnt mind?

RL: Booker T:

SD: Great mentor. Always on.

RL: TNA:

SD: A company with a bright future.

RL: ROH:

SD: One of the few that could be a successor to the original ECW.

RL: The Origional ECW:

SD: A once in a million company that made the most with what it had and revolutionized the way

people in the states viewed wrestling.

RL: The NWA:

SD: Hopefully 2009 will be the year it reclaims its glory.

RL: Ric Flair:

SD: THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! No question.

RL: Terry Funk:

SD: A true legend in every sense of the word and I'm still in awe of him

RL: Vince McMahon:

SD: My future boss! (One has to dream.)

RL: Steve De Marco:

SD: There's no show without him!

RL: I’ve gotta say, that line gets me every time, you must put “there’s no show without Steve

De Marco” on a t-shirt

SD: I've thought about that as a shirt. I have a few others. Just have to come up with the funds to have shirts printed. One of the pains of being in the indy's is having to put money aside for your own merch, but this might be the year to do that.

RL: And to finish up, i feel it wouldnt be rite if i didnt let you get in any quick tidbits or shamless plugs?

SD: Tidbits or shameless plugs, obviously the Youtube channel, the myspace page, the de marco fan nation youtube channel, the wikipedia entry...and anything else with my name on it. My plan is at every show to make it a party for everyone. To give everyone a reason to "de MARKout". There isn't anything wrong with that. I also want to prove that it isn't just a catchphrase, there "there really is no show without Steve De Marco". On a personal note, I just want this to be the year that I get more than noticed. I'm really the only worker who comes on YouTube and does what I do. You get more than highlights, you get more than just a promo, you get Steve De Marco. I want the wrestling world, the casual fan, and the internet community to not only take notice but to voice their approval for what I do. In a way, I no longer want to answer the question, "Why haven't I been hired by a major company?" I want people to ask, "How can I help this guy get noticed?" I do feel that I've made strided, but it's only the beginning. I'll do my part and entertain wherever I go, I just need a place to go. In the end, I want to make the Lucha Lounge into a movement of sorts where everyone can visit and discuss and be passionate about professional wrestling, sports entertainment, or whatever you want to call it. The passion still flows in my veins. If I make it to a big federation or become a big name within the business, then I'm bringing all of the people who support me and are fans of me with me.

RL: In Conclussion, everyone here at We Love Lillian would like to thanks Steve for his time and effort in giving his this interview, we can honestly say that he's the best dam wrestler we've ever interviewd!

Here's all Steve's links, check him out!

The Lucha Lounge: http://uk.youtube.com/user/dmarco1125

Steve De Marco Fan Nation: http://uk.youtube.com/user/demarcofannation

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/stevedemarco

Wikedpedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_De_Marco

WWE: The Zheng State.

So each of the WWE's brand's have had there first real show post draft. Night of Champions has been and gone, and WWE swerved us without having to swerve us. Only the ECW title changed brands, going from RAW, back to ECW, which hardly came as a big surprise. So lets review, who's now set to do what and where.

John Cena, 5 years into his career has a large responsibility on his shoulders, doing the Undertakers job. As im sure Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar and JBL would agree, you're best chance of getting over by going over, was on Smackdown with the Deadman. Cena, for now, holds that responsibility. Don't get me wrong, Cena isn't winding down and getting ready to be "good for business" and just help establish people to take his spot, but he is the main man on RAW, and as I'm sure Mr. Punk will find out, until you beat Cena, you are nothing on that show.

Rey Mysterio to RAW is another interesting one, though his segment with Santino Marella was abit worrying, JR's reaction to his draft seem to give him credibility, almost a shame he wont have JR to make him sound better, though there does seem to be momentum behind Rey, and possibly his main event status is about to be restored. Batista continues to be that cold you just cant shake, but he is over, and with not too much mid card talent bouncing around, some decent non-title feuds could be in the offering, whether he gets the rub from them or the other guy, really is all up to him.

CM Punk, transitional champion? Probably. Him winning the title a mark out moment? Definitely! Punk like Batista, has his future in his own hands, work his arse off and maybe crack a smile backstage, and he could be on to main event status, considering they gave him the belt before his second year on the full roster was over, he's gotta be thinking he has a chance, especially with no Triple H around.

Speaking of the Game, his move to Smackdown is a master stroke. Edge is great, but if he wants to be hall of fame great, he needs to work a good program with HHH, and get the belt off him at a "big four" ppv. This move will work for everyone, RAW's main event is wide open, and think of the possibilities for Smackdown, so many fresh new feuds that he hasn't had, and when a guy like Triple H has been in a company for such a long time, the chance to do something fresh with him is rare, lets hope the WWE take it.

So now who's the cast of characters to challenge him? Obviously Edge, heads (get it?) the Que, Taker will most likely re-apear on RAW, so again this is wide open. Kennedy has the "it" factor, no dought, and now the face turn has been rubbished, him causing trouble for possibly the top face in the company could be good for him, Umaga in my opinion should be in JBL's spot, they should have made him a main event heel on RAW a long time ago, however, since they haven't, I'm glad to see him on Smackdown, when the WWE let him get through his full arsenal he's as exciting a big man as they have. And of course, Jeff Hardy, if he was willing to just say no, he'd probably be WWE champion now, or at least the former WWE champion, its his own fault, and he knows that. But, he's done his time, and now people need to get behind him, as they appear to be, so much could be made of a Jeff Hardy V Edge feud, Kennedy would be another good option, but please not Umaga again.

And finally ECW. With there champion and top name gone, not to mention there brightest up and coming star, you may think its best to just close that brand and move on? Certainly not, Paul Heyman knows allot more about wrestling than me, and if he's willing to say that the Miz and Morrison are the best tag team in pro-wrestling at the minute, I'm happy to agree. Though you do worry what happens when those belts go back to smackdown. Shelton Benjamin passed though the "Land of Extreme" all too easily for my liking, but we'll se where he goes on SD! Matt Sydal is a highly exciting talent, ready to show the world how good he really his, Mark Henry is, well, better than Khali and Bid Daddy V. Teddy Long stating he was bringing in a "superstar inicitive" is good news, though Atlas Ortiz did himself no favors, the likes of Colt Cabana, Ron Killings, Chris Harris and the re-vamped Kevin Thorn, may. Oh, am i forgetting The Dragon?

So it's all change, RAW and ECW's ratings went up, change is a good thing, but this new buzz wont last forever, so its over the creative to do something with this mix of talent.

-Richard Lewis

P.S

A classic Promo from the new World Champ: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0FsrPpC4BGM

Steve Corino and Colt Cabana amuse Japan: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6af7bTVZMX8

And Corino explains how things happen backstage: http://youtube.com/watch?v=9FYn4ChaLJw

We Love Lillian Update

Just a quick update about general wrestling and our Youtube page.

Our 'possible' final video has been posted up on our Youtube page, check it out here :- http://youtube.com/user/WeLoveLillian

We could do further videos, but at least for the foreseeable future, with our own Youtube accounts now taking shape, it doesn't look like there will be any other editions of WeLoveLillian.

However... the blog will live on, and especially now since I've finished my Summer exams we might actuaaly get some continuity on this page.

So, about the wrestling scene at the moment...

Monday Night RAW hosted the 2008 WWE Draft, and it was certainly a mixed bag of choices.

Mysterio and CM Punk to Raw, and, Kennedy and Umaga to Smackdown seems like good moves for each wrestler...

However...

Hardy to SD? Kane to RAW? Hornswoggle and Finlay to ECW? Bad times...

HHH I have no doubt will go straight back to Raw... possibly shifting John Cena to Friday Nights. Dodgy dealings.

But without a doubt the most hilarious moment of the week so far... must be JR's move and bitching to Smackdown. It certainly was a move that surprised us (and JR by the cracking look on his face), but with a move to a new network being high on the list of their priorities, a person of JR's calibre might be helpful to SD.

I still havn't had a chance to watch ECW as of yet... I'll move probably watch it on Sky Sports 3's first showing on THRUSDAY NIGHT!? What the holy fuck is that all about? Sort it out Sky.

Anyway, I'll most probably be back with another Greatest Matches of All Time, so enjoy the video and keep checking in for the latest posts!

James Prideaux

Year of the Dragon?

It's not often I'm drawn into talk about transfers, trades, or draft's that don’t involve Football or "Soccer".

However times they are changing and WWE's draft is on the way, but that’s not today’s topic.

Today, my topic of ‘concern’ is from the industry, ‘concerning’ a great number for various reasons, Professional wrestling and in particular, Bryan Danielson, Ring of Honor and WWE.

The last ever ROH pure Wrestling champion of course recently defeated a WWE contracted wrestler (Lance Cade) on the 9 of June 2008 edition of Monday Night RAW. While Vince was "showing us the money" he wasn’t showing us a 6 ft 5, 261 pound former World tag team champion, now on a singles push, losing (and submitting) to a 5 ft 10, 185 pound independent wrestler, the WWE once booted out the door.

But, since the "American Dragon" wowed the crowd before RAW, the internet has run whiled with stories ranging from "Danielson's WWE signing imminent", to "WWE and ROH begin talent exchange".

In reality… neither is true.

We all jumped around and got a little excited, thinking Dragon was about to get national weekly exposure. But alas, for by the next morning, the true details were revealed.

ROH gave the green light for Danielson to have this match. Possibly thinking this would be exposure for themselves, (though how one of your guys working a dark match and it not getting mentioned by the WWE at all is good exposure I'll never know!) this has possibly backfired. JR writing in a blog, that "The WWE might be well served to subsidize the ROH as they seem to be one of the most viable entities when it comes to developing talent" is probably the opposite of what they wanted from this.

However, the situation changed later that day, when reports swung around that ROH would release Danielson if he wanted to leave for WWE. And they wanted him. JR's blog also said that he "told anyone that would listen that the young man was a keeper. Great work ethic, unique skills, lots of character and he wrestles like a ‘star’ which is not something all wrestlers can do", see Lance Storm.

The last thing to take into account is that Danielson has a history with the WWE. As I said earlier, the WWE released him and his good friend Bryan "Spanky" Kendrick after the acquisition of WCW and subsequent closure of MCW.

After this, Danielson would go on to huge things. Holding gold in PWG and Ring of Honor, along with most indies worth a damn and not to mention endless "Honor’s" from Dave Metzer’s Wrestling Observer "of the year awards.

He also worked matches for WWE's "Velocity" including a match against a certain John Cena, (http://youtube.com/watch?v=nf-kiUcAdVI), which should keep a few Cena haters quiet.

All this though, was not enough. WWE apparently ‘didn’t offer’ Danielson a contract, as he could not reach there 6 ft 2 requirement; which I personally see as internet drivel, judging by the fact that Chris Benoit won the Royal Rumble later that year.

Danielson has done view interviews in the past, but has stated he can make more money in ROH/Japan than he could in the WWE. So unless he sees a genuine chance to become a top guy, would he join anyway? Lets break it down:

Danielson to WWE- Pro's:

.Great in the ring- does some innovative stuff that should fit well within the WWE's limitations.

.Would get the national platform to try and prove he really is the best wrestler in the world.(though whether he has the ego to leave a lesser schedule on ROH to do that is unknown).

.Has JR onside, a key figure in WWE's talent relations.

.Not currently in the ROH title picture - If they’re willing to let him go, why wouldn’t he consider it.

.WWE put him cleanly over a big man wrestler currently on a singles push - Cade's toughness and size will be big for him. If he tapped out on TV it would have been devastating for him. What does that tell you about the WWE's opinion of Danielson?

.Big in Japan- Danielson's reputation in Japan should not be understated. The WWE has always struggled in Asia, and with TNA using link with NJPW and ROH with NOAH, Danielson would be some advantage.

Why Danielson could stay at ROH:

.Look- The most interesting Danielson looks is when he's bald with a Jesus beard. Imagine CM Punk with short hair, no tattoo's and no tight designs, though this could be rectified.

.Loss of the names Bryan Danielson and "American Dragon"- this would severely damage Danielson, who is VERY well known on the indie scene through this name and may also effect his impact overseas for WWE IF he loses the names.

.ROH realise what they'd be losing if he left - If Ring of Honor's stance on losing Dragon changes, his and WWE's view on the move could be irrelevant.

.Not interested- there is always the chance Danielson will decide to stay put, content with his lifestyle and his schedule he may decide he dosen’t need the WWE.

So its safe to be said its all up in the air, and could go either way, as a WWE fan I’d love to see him in the company. But what ever happens with three consecutive ‘Best Technical Wrestler’ awards, two consecutive ‘Most Outstanding Wrestler’ Awards, and last years ‘Match of the Year’; it could well be another year of the (American) Dragon.

-Richard Lewis

The WWE Draft 2008 :- What We Would Do

For a long time, the WWE has needed a draft...

So you can imagine the happiness on the face of me and Richard, when on Monday Night Raw Vince Mcmahon announced the 2008 draft.

So in this blog we decided to do two different drafts.

The first draft will be a realistic approach and what could most proberbly happen on the night...

Raw

CM Punk

Natalya Neidhart

Chuck Palumbo

Mark Henry

Theodore Long

ECW

Charlie Hass

Snitsky

Vladmir Kosolov

Smackdown

Chris Jericho

Umaga

Lance Cade

Jillian Hall

The Boogeyman

Now this second draft will be our dream draft, with reasons why we would move these people...

Raw

CM Punk :- Mr Money in the Bank is very restricted on ECW and would be new and fresh on Raw

Edge :- The "Rated R Superstar" was simply imense on Raw, and although his "Ultimate Oppurtunist" gimmick on Smackdown has been entertaining, it is nowhere near as entertaining and lacks the same potential. Raw gives him the potential to do this and MY GOD he needs to drop Vickie.

MVP :- He's simply PRIME-TIME! And also without the United States title and no World Heavyweight Title shot in sight, he could simply ignight Monday night.

Natalya Neidhart and Victoria:- They are simply imense in the ring and clearly aren't amazing enough to enter the bikini contest's on Smackdown!

ECW

Carlito and Charlie Haas :- Simply too good in the ring to get the shabby amount of TV time they get RAW. Could be used well on ECW

Smackdown

Chris Jericho :- He is bigger than Raw mid-card. He's a main eventer and SD! are in dire need of a new one. But god please stop making him such an utter twat. MAKE HIM JERICHO AGAIN!

John Cena :- This bloke is so stale... it's unbelivable. His gimmick is aimed towards to kids so why not put him on the show aimed towards the younger audience.

Umaga :- Been coming for a while. Could be a SD! main eventer and could double up as a mid-carder when needed.

So that's it...

The WWE draft is always great to watch...

But this time... they are in dire need of something to shake things up a bit.

- James Prideaux and Richard Lewis

Ring of Mediocrity!

It's a difficult time as a Wrestling fan...

WWE seems to be going nowhere... (despite the fact Backlash was solid and Judgement Day looks like a promising card).

TNA has got Samoa Joe as champion... so why don't I care?

And ROH... well ROH still hasn't got a TV deal...

TNA's problem is that Joe still doesn't feel like the TNA World Champion... It just seems like he's been given it to shut Angle-haters up. And every week TNA's booking seems to get weaker... to the point that I've even stopped watching it every week...

ROH are being very careful about choosing there TV deal, so not to lose the realism for water-down TV. Yet they need to realise that for now they need to get us fans glued to the screen...

WWE's? Well WWE needs a damn, good mix up. The problem with the WWE is that it's in too much a comfort zone. WWE are just sitting back waiting for a new Rock, Hogan or Austin to kick start the machine and get rolling again.

But the thing is they have the talent...

Punk...

Edge...

The Hardy's...

John Morrison...

MVP...

Carlito...

Kofi Kingston...

Randy Orton...

The Gold Standard - Shelton Benjamin...

Mr. Kennedy... Kennedy...

The Great Khali... (Typo? Ed)

The draft will surely rectify this... But yet WWE still doesn't feel right...

Personally... Make Punk and Cena heel... Edge dump Vickie... Keep Kennedy face (it's amazing)... Jericho Uber-cool heel again...

It just needs to be shaken up...

But for now I'll tune in as much as I can... want...

But believe me... it aint getting easier...

- James Prideaux