Report: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns Scheduled to Close out WrestleMania

One thing that you got to love about WrestleMania weekend is the rumor mill regarding the event. Earlier in the week, the WWE Universal Championship between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar was expected to close out the show on Sunday.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is in Orlando for all of the festivities going on around town. According to the famed reporter, the probable match to close out WrestleMania will be Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns.

My first reaction is what about Randy Orton? You know, the winner of the Royal Rumble? Then I calmed down and remembered that the Rumble winner hasn’t really been guaranteed the main event spot for several years now. Besides, the Orton/Wyatt feud has cooled down considerably.

WWE is notorious for changing their plans at the drop of a hat, however, Taker vs. Reigns getting the nod means that confidence is low in Goldberg vs. Lesnar being anything special. Goldberg probably can’t go more than ten minutes, and doing a squash match in Lesnar’s favor to get his heat back, is not a suitable scenario for the main event of WrestleMania. Continue reading “Report: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns Scheduled to Close out WrestleMania” →

Smackdown Women’s Title Match Back on WrestleMania Main Card

The card for WrestleMania 33 is always changing. Due to popular demand, WWE has shifted the SmackDown Women’s Championship match from the kickoff show to the main card. Alexa Bliss defends the title against Becky Lynch, Natalya, Mickie James, Naomi, and Carmella in a Six Pack Challenge.

Upset over the match’s placement on the show, fans started using the hashtag #GiveSDWomenAChance on social media to campaign for the change. The WrestleMania lineup on WWE.com no longer has the match listed on the kickoff show. Becky Lynch took to Twitter and confirmed the change. Continue reading “Smackdown Women’s Title Match Back on WrestleMania Main Card” →

NXT TakeOver Orlando Preview Show

Atlee Greene and Adam Kohn give their preview and predictions for NXT TakeOver: Orlando, which emanates from the Amway Center in Orlando, FL this Saturday. The show will air live on the WWE Network at 8:00 PM EST.

There are five big matches headlined by the NXT Title match where Bobby Roode defends against Shinsuke NNakamura.

NXT Tag Team Championship will also be on the line as The Authors of Pain defend against #DIY and The Revival in a Triple Threat Elimination Match.

Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong, No Way Jose & Ruby Riot team up to take on SAnitY in a blockbuster 8 person mixed tag team match

Aleister Black makes his NXT debut against Andrade “Cien” Almas and someone’s 0 has got to go when Asuka defends the NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon.

TheGreeneScreen.net: Pro Wrestling with a dash of Pop Culture!

Favorite Matches #7: Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage

Today marks the 30^th anniversary of what many have called the greatest wrestling match of all time. Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat put on a performance that stole the most important show in WWE history that was sold by the biggest match of all time in Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant.

While there is some controversy about the preplanned nature of the match by industry elitists, 78,000 fans inside the Silverdome were in awe over the Intercontinental Title match at WrestleMania III. Lots of preparation was made for a classic that we’re still talking about today. Continue reading “Favorite Matches #7: Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage” →

Interview with WWE Hall of Hame Inductee Teddy Long

Frank Dee and Atlee Greene shoot the breeze with WWE Hall of Fame inductee Teddy Long about his career from Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, and the WWE. Teddy has accomplished a lot in the wrestling business from being a referee to managing some of the biggest names in the industry.

Teddy Long is best known for his time in WWE where he went on to be the longest reigning SmackDown General Manager. This Friday, Teddy Long will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will air live on the WWE Network.

Which wrestlers impress Teddy Long?

Does he believe Kayfabe can still work today?

Who does he want to induct him into the Hall of Fame?

What did Vince McMahon’s first impressions of Teddy’s skills on the microphone?

Check out the interview below as Frank Dee and I go down memory lane with the MacMilitant himself. Holla, Holla, Holla, Playa.

Industry Moves: Will WWE Buy ROH?

The wrestling world is buzzing after Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet broke the news that WWE has been in secret talks with Sinclair Broadcast Group since January about the potential acquisition of Ring of Honor. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer elaborated on the report stating that WWE made their initial inquiry about purchasing ROH back in August.

While there is no deal on the table as of yet, WWE’s plan of acquisition seems to include the tape library, talent contracts and closing down the company. This move indicates that WWE is attempting to completely monopolize the professional wrestling market in the United States.

WWE purchased WCW and acquired ECW’s assets in 2001 because all three companies were competing for the same audience. In 2017, groups such as ROH and Impact Wrestling are competing with WWE for talent due to sub-genres in wrestling being more pronounced and defined. Continue reading “Industry Moves: Will WWE Buy ROH?” →

Southpaw Regional Wrestling is Awesome

I have given WWE much flak for their lame attempts at comedy. Well, I’m eating my words today as they released on YouTube a four-part mockumentary of 80’s southern territorial wrestling called Southpaw Regional Wrestling.

Those who watched regional wrestling will enjoy seeing various WWE stars in a creatively comedic light. Some aspects are aggregated while others are hilariously accurate. The VCR filter, events at the county fairgrounds and autographs from the wrestlers at the local KFC augments the old school aesthetic. Continue reading “Southpaw Regional Wrestling is Awesome” →

Wrestling Soapbox: Reigns vs. Undertaker, New Era of Impact Wrestling, Christopher Daniels and more

We’re back with another edition of the Wrestling Soapbox as Atlee Greene and Adam Kohn breakdown the following topics in the world of professional wrestling.

Roman Reigns vs. Undertaker
Christopher Daniels wins ROH gold
Future of Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly
State of the WWE Cruiserweight Division
WrestleMania: The Ultimate Thrill Ride = Pop Culture over Wrestling
and more!

Styles vs. Orton: A Wrestling Lesson

I apologize for being late to the party with one, but I watched a really, really good wrestling match last week. It won’t go down as an instant classic or awarded five stars among journalists, however, the wrestlers took their time telling a fun and engaging story.

Whatever do I mean? Well…

Wrestling is an art form like any other creative and entertaining means of expression. Sometimes, in a particular space, certain nuances fall by the wayside, looking to be picked up again. In wrestling matches, it’s the little things that can make all the difference.

Over the last few years in WWE, punches, kicks, submission holds, and selling has been devoid of any real intensity and effort. Also, the action in the ring is too fast and does not leave enough time for anything to properly marinate with the audience.

Instead, back-and-forth matches, where the wrestlers take turns delivering big moves, appear to be a substitute for an arbitrary application of the smaller moves that support the assembly of a match.

Now, I know I sound like that older guy that emphatically claims it was better in my day, but stay with me. Continue reading “Styles vs. Orton: A Wrestling Lesson” →

Remembering “Outlaw” Ron Bass

Ronald Heard, a.k.a. “Outlaw”, Ron Bass passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68. Heard reportedly suffered complications from a ruptured appendix, which he wasn’t aware of and went to the hospital after his issue was discovered, but it was unfortunately too late to treat his condition by that point. Bass worked in every major territory and ended his career with a three-year run (1987-1989) in WWE. Continue reading “Remembering “Outlaw” Ron Bass” →