The Path to Justice Looks at Lex Luthor

There are several characters in DC Comics’ stable of heroes and villains who will make their long overdue debut on the silver screen when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25^th. We will also be introduced to different versions of familiar characters with a new actor stepping in to fill the role.

Jesse Eisenberg will be the next contestant to play Superman’s arch nemesis, Lex Luthor. While the Academy Award nominee (The Social Network) has a diverse body of work on his résumé, the reaction to his casting has been met with mixed reviews. Some are cautiously optimistic that Eisenberg will fit the bill. Others find the 30-year-old Eisenberg is too stark of a contrast to the older and more established actors who’ve played the part.

Then there was a vocal group of fans who were extremely let down when learning that Bryan Cranston wasn’t even offered the role after rumors had him all but confirmed. Plus, Director Zack Snyder’s youthful “Wunderkind” description of this incarnation was hard for some people to swallow.

Old, young, hair or no hair, Jesse Eisenberg is tasked with making this mere mortal become the Man of Steel’s most villainous foe. There are many actors who’ve played a more traditional Lex Luthor. Most of them found a way to bring the character to life whether his superior intellect shined, or his ruthless nature highlighted his adulterated evil in various forms.

Click here to read the entire column at Forces of Geek.com

Shane McMahon’s Shocking Return to WWE

Wow, what a turn of events that occurred on Raw this past Monday! Shane McMahon made his unexpected return to WWE after a 6-year absence and received one of the loudest audience reactions in recent memory. If that wasn’t shocking enough, Shane will stand inside Hell in a Cell across the ring from The Undertaker at WrestleMania in a featured bout that absolutely needs to close the show.

In a segment where life imitated art, Shane put Stephanie McMahon on blast for the company’s falling stock prices, low television ratings, and the string of wrestler injuries. The Air-Jordan-wearing executive also stated that he “never lost his place in line,” which is contrary to why Shane reportedly left WWE in October of 2009.

Click here to read the entire column at Gerweck.net: Pro Wrestling Since 1997

WWE Fastlane 2016 Review

WWE FastLane 2016 | Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland Ohio

– Kalisto defeated Alberto Del Rio in a 2 out of 3 falls match to retain the U.S. Championship

It’s a shame this match was on the pre-show because these two worked very hard to put on a great match. Del Rio sacrificing the first fall by hitting Kalisto with a chair was something a true villain would do. Del Rio’s intensity was on point and Kalisto sold everything like he was getting killed. Del Rio showed even more frustration after Kalisto scored the second fall. Strategy turned to frustration as the steel chair that served Del Rio well could have been his undoing if he can’t keep his emotions in check.

– Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch defeated Naomi & Tamina via submission

The match was a little clunky at first, but got better as it went along. Lynch is a lot better of a wrestler than the casual audience gives her credit for. Banks kicked out of Naomi’s Rear View in a good near fall spot. The finish was a double submission with Banks applying the Bank Statement and Lynch locking in the Dis-arm-her for the win. This keeps both women strong should one or both get placed in the Diva’s title match at WrestleMania. Continue reading “WWE Fastlane 2016 Review” →

John Cena Returning Soon?

Earlier this week, John Cena sent out a cryptic tweet suggesting that he might return to WWE earlier than expected. Check out my report at the official YouTube channel of Gerweck.net

Thoughts on the Final Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer

The final trailer Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice dropped yesterday, and it’s perfect in every way! Not only does it show that the marketing is now clearly on the fight we’re paying to see, it also primarily focuses on Batman. Sounds kind of unfair considering he shares the marquee with Superman. Nope, and I’ll tell you why.

We’ve already seen what Superman brings to the table as a character in Man of Steel. This trailer gave us our first real peak at what kind of Batman we can expect. He was the supreme fighting machine in every way imaginable, and it was awesome!

Batman blocking Superman’s punch is the money shot of the trailer. The look of disbelief on Henry Cavill’s face absolutely sells this moment to the highest magnitude. It tells us that %$#@ is about to go down and that March 25th can’t get here fast enough!

Click here for my special look at Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns at Forces of Geek.com

Thoughts on Titus O’Neil’s Suspension

In an odd turn of events, WWE suspended Titus O’Neil for “unprofessional conduct” due to an incident during the final seconds of the WWE Network stream of Daniel Bryan’s retirement celebration. O’Neil is seen “playfully” grabbing Vince McMahon by the arm right before he was shoved by McMahon in retaliation.

Continue reading “Thoughts on Titus O’Neil’s Suspension” →

Daniel Bryan Retires from Wrestling due to Injuries

Yesterday seemed as if it was going to be just another day in the world of professional wrestling with a new episode of Monday Night Raw on the horizon. Then, all of a sudden, a particular tweet from a particular wrestler changed all of that. 20 words, or 137 characters, informed the world that Daniel Bryan has retired from professional wrestling. Continue reading “Daniel Bryan Retires from Wrestling due to Injuries” →

Batman v Superman: Battles of the Past

Batman #612 | Creators: Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair | 2003

DC Comics has treated fans to many fights between Batman and Superman over the years. Some have been great while others left a lot to be desired. Of course such an endeavor is easier said than done because there are so many creative masters to satisfy when having the two most iconic superheroes lock horns with one another.

During the critically acclaimed story arc Hush, where a villainous foe was sabotaging Batman from afar, Superman, under the control of Poison Ivy, was ordered to kill Batman. Superman’s tactics are predictable, which Batman uses to his advantage while respecting the fact that Clark could kill him with the flick of his finger.

Superman finds a way to pull his punches, which is a key component here, but they still pack quite the super-powered wallop. In the end, Batman realizes that even with all his know-how and Kryptonite, he is not going to win a fist fight. He pulls out some devious tactics that appeal to the one thing about Superman that will always reign true: His love for Lois Lane.

In the second BVS trailer, an angry Superman yells to Batman “Stay down. If I wanted it, you’d already be dead.” This implies that he is trying to prevent another Zod neck snapping scenario. Perhaps Superman’s unwillingness to kill is the opening Batman needs in order to win the fight? We will all find out the answer on March 25.

Click here to check out THE PATH TO JUSTICE in its entirety at Forces of Geek.com

Lucha Underground: Don’t Call it a Wrestling Promotion

When people talk about their favorite television shows, for example The Walking Dead, they’re discussed with a favorable disposition that all culminates with one question. What is going to happen next? Conversation regarding WWE, however, consists of “Who booked this crap?” or “Why is that guy getting a push?”

Lucha Underground is changing the way people talk about wrestling due its fresh presentation highlighted by engaging storylines, unique matches, interesting characters, and great wrestlers. Last week’s season 2 premiere stirred up quite the conversation. Some feel that it’s a joke, while others believe it’s the best thing going today. Continue reading “Lucha Underground: Don’t Call it a Wrestling Promotion” →

Thoughts on Film: The Big Short

My wife and I recently saw the Oscar-nominated film, The Big Short. It’s the true story of some financial analysts who discovered and capitalized on the housing market’s eventual collapse. It was interesting to watch a movie about a subject that affected my family, just like it did millions of families across the country. Continue reading “Thoughts on Film: The Big Short” →