Archive for December, 2008
Katz Files: Does Size Really Matter?
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
Does Size Really Matter?
The Kingfish Arnie Katz talks about the role of physical size in the pro wrestling show, some behind-the-scenes stuff about the site and a zero-risk chance to win cash this coming Sunday.
Promoters, wrestlers and fans have long debated the importance of physical size in professional wrestling. Some point to the marquee value of the really large guys, while others claim that big clumsy wrestlers turn off more fans than they inspire. And questions about the dynamics of the big man-small man program never seem to die away/
After thinking about all the wrestling I’ve watched, both now and in my dim youthful past, I’ve come to the conclusion that size is one of the most decisive factors in the wrestling show and that the way a promotion handles size is crucial to its success. WWE, TNA, the original ECW and the current revival of ECW have all made fundamentally different decisions about how to handle the size differential.
Shannon: The ECW (12/23) Extreme Examination!
HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
The ECW (12/23) Extreme Examination!
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, looks at the yearly Highlight Show from ECW. He also has a few special comments at the end of the column.
This week’s edition of ECW was the yearly “Best of…” show. Matt Striker and Todd Grisham were in the studio for this one.
Matt Striker showed off their 2008 Slammy as Best Announce Team. Todd showed Tazz kicking Joey Styles into the Christmas tree, last year. They showed C.M. Punk defeating John Morrison for the ECW title.
OWW Wrestler of the Week: John Bradshaw Leyfield
HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
OWW Wrestler of the Week: John “Bradshaw” Layfield
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, deviates a little with this week’s choice for Wrestler of the Week. This week’s choice is the man who created the Tribute of the Troops program in the WWE, John “Bradshaw” Layfield.
John “Bradshaw” Layfield, also known as JBL, has been a main event player in the WWE for over a dozen years. He’s held plenty of championship during his career. His biggest accomplishment has nothing to do with championships, announcing duties or even financial savvy. JBL is credited with creating the Tribute to the Troops program that brings the superstars of the WWE to war-torn areas of the world to support the men and women in the Armed Forces. Layfield may be a bully and an arrogant heel. Above and beyond all that, Layfield is a caring man who has brought joy to so many. For his years in the ring and for creating Tribute to the Troops, JBL is this week’s OWW Wrestler of the Week.
Katz Files: The December Smackdown Report Card
The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
The December Smackdown Report Card!
The Kingfish Arnie Katz presents his December promotion report card for the good folks at WWE’s Smackdown.
About the Report Cards
Each month, I issue a report card for TNA. I examine and grade the promotion in all the vital areas. I discuss strengths and weaknesses and chart the ups and downs. The grades in parentheses are for the previous report card.
Smackdown is barreling toward Survivor Series, one of WWE’s “major” pay per views of the year. This is a good time to hand out the promotion’s monthly grades. Up this time is the report card for Smackdown.
