Sunday Night Steam is bringing Sexy back..YEAH!!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
A Man of Few Words
Continuing our rehash of old school interviews from thecheappop.com, here's Kane from last year's ComicCon in NYC. Raising Kane (and hell) in Hollywood
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com February 2006
Photo/Rich Tarantino
Photo/Rich Tarantino
He's buried his half-brother alive. He regularly sets four ringposts ablaze with his barehands. He's worn red leather and brushed elbows with Pete Rose, and was still respected by the end of the night. He's WWE Superstar Kane, and he's excelled at just about every level of the wrestling business. He's the current RAW Tag Team Champion (with The Big Show), and has held both the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship belts. This summer, The Big Red Machine will trade in chokeslamming opponents for haunting a hotel in the horror flick "See No Evil." We caught up with the Monster at NYC's Comic-Con on February 25, and discussed his film, in which he plays a serial killer (no stretch there, he admits), and where he sees WWE Films heading in the near future.
JC: Hey Kane, how long has this movie been in development?
Kane: We finished filming in December 2004 so I guess about a year-and-a-half ago. It's been in post production. [Overall] it's been in the works for about two years.
JC: Was the film actually written for you in particular?
Kane: Yes. It's flattering actually. It really is.
JC: Do you actually play Kane in the film or a similar character?
Kane: It's a similar character. You know I'm not Kane per se, but you maybe take it as an extension of Kane.. of course without the limitations of television so it's much more intense.
JC: Do you actually talk a lot in the movie? Any killer catchphrases?
Kane: You have to watch it.
JC: I saw the trailers. It looks cool. Now, is film the general direction you knew your career would take you?
Kane: It really was not something, you know, [I thought of] when I began my career. My ultimate goal was not to do movies or anything like that. When an opportunity like this arises, I mean you know it's just a great opportunity. In a lot of ways, it's an extension of what we do in the ring. WWE, it's not only a wrestling company, it's an entertainment company, and that's what we do. So I found this to be a natural extension of what I normally do.
JC: Where do you see WWE Films going? Do you think they'll come a point where it'll become known as its own entity like MTV Films, which started off slow but picked up steam with "Napolean Dynamite" and other hit movies?
Kane: Yes, I think the goal is to have a diversified company and you know from my knowledge, the films are definitely a part of that. and based on my film, and it's a quality film, I think we're going to be successful with that.
JC: With "Saw" and other horror flicks, the genre couldn't be any more popular now...
Kane: Yeah. I think this is a good start
JC: Lastly, how's RAW going?
Kane: Good, real good going into Wrestlemania.
JC: You must be psyched for 'mania 22... Do you know who you're facing yet?
Kane: Not yet, but I'm sure that will all come out in the next few weeks.
JC: Hey Kane, how long has this movie been in development?
Kane: We finished filming in December 2004 so I guess about a year-and-a-half ago. It's been in post production. [Overall] it's been in the works for about two years.
JC: Was the film actually written for you in particular?
Kane: Yes. It's flattering actually. It really is.
JC: Do you actually play Kane in the film or a similar character?
Kane: It's a similar character. You know I'm not Kane per se, but you maybe take it as an extension of Kane.. of course without the limitations of television so it's much more intense.
JC: Do you actually talk a lot in the movie? Any killer catchphrases?
Kane: You have to watch it.
JC: I saw the trailers. It looks cool. Now, is film the general direction you knew your career would take you?
Kane: It really was not something, you know, [I thought of] when I began my career. My ultimate goal was not to do movies or anything like that. When an opportunity like this arises, I mean you know it's just a great opportunity. In a lot of ways, it's an extension of what we do in the ring. WWE, it's not only a wrestling company, it's an entertainment company, and that's what we do. So I found this to be a natural extension of what I normally do.
JC: Where do you see WWE Films going? Do you think they'll come a point where it'll become known as its own entity like MTV Films, which started off slow but picked up steam with "Napolean Dynamite" and other hit movies?
Kane: Yes, I think the goal is to have a diversified company and you know from my knowledge, the films are definitely a part of that. and based on my film, and it's a quality film, I think we're going to be successful with that.
JC: With "Saw" and other horror flicks, the genre couldn't be any more popular now...
Kane: Yeah. I think this is a good start
JC: Lastly, how's RAW going?
Kane: Good, real good going into Wrestlemania.
JC: You must be psyched for 'mania 22... Do you know who you're facing yet?
Kane: Not yet, but I'm sure that will all come out in the next few weeks.
Don't call him K-Kwik
Here's another vintage interview from thecheappop.com with...
The Whole 'Truth'
TNA wrestler opens up on the WWE, rapping, and Gump?
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com October 2005
Many wrestlers often say they've "made it" when they reach World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) annual spectacle: "Wrestlemania." But, some grapplers slip through the cracks, and never make it big in the WWE. Ron "the Truth" Killings is one of them, and he couldn't be happier about it.
Killings, who never quite reached his potential with the then-World Wrestling Federation as K-Kwik, has reestablished himself in TNA. Whether the Charlotte, NC native's finishing off an opponent with an impressive Axe Kick or raising hell and (often hilarity) with his stable the 3Live Kru (with Konnan and BG James), Killings has really come into his own. And now that TNA has signed a lucrative contract with SpikeTV, every one will be able to see one of the best wrestlers in the ring today. We at the cheap pop recently caught up with the former NWA World Heavyweight and Tag Team Champion, on the heels of a huge Oct 23 Pay-Per-View dubbed "Bound for Glory." One thing's for sure, he's not afraid to spill the beans on what went wrong with the WWE, what's gone right for TNA, and oh yeah, how he's been entering the ring rapping long before John Cena through on a retro jersey, and called himself a gangsta. He was also nice enough to put up with our silly questions.
JC: Right off the bat, what went wrong with the WWF? Did they give up on you?
RK: I think basically they gave up They didn't know what to do.
JC: It looked, to me, that they kind of pigeonholed you with a rapper gimmick and it really didn't work.
RK: It would've worked. As a matter of fact, I produced some music I wrote that I could rap to.
I guess nobody put in for that. I started thinking about not getting writing credits. They wouldn’t give ideas. They just dropped the ball there. I was blackballed [at WWE]. It's like TNA is the quicker pick-me-upper.
JC: You and your fellow TNA wrestlers must be excited to be on SpikeTV...
RK: It's a lot of energy. It's like we're ready-to-go. I mean, man, like from day one - you know what I'm saying?
JC: Totally. I know you aren't head-to-head with WWE yet but signing Team 3D and Kevin Nash are huge. Plus, I'm sure there's a lot of free agents out there that TNA is trying to sign. Is it exciting for you when these guys drop in?
RK: I'm excited. I figure there's enough money to go around.
JC: Your stable, 3Live Cru, seems to be on to some big things, and already have built a fanbase.
RK: I relate to them. We actually have brotherly love and we hang together. That's what makes the group real.
JC: Speaking of real, your raps seem effortless. What do you think of a guy like John Cena in the WWE. He's running with the rapper gimmick now.
RK: I think that he wants to rap against me. TNA [probably] won't let me. He's not a real rapper. He has a smart [gimmick] but he's just a proxy.
JC: You think he's just a flash-in-the-pan?
RK: I think he'll work the gimmick for awhile.
JC: Who do you think had the worst gimmick in wrestling?
RK: [Laughs] There's a lot of them. I don't know. Doink the Clown? Because there were so many different motherf--kers [playing him].
JC: This has nothing to do with anything, but have you ever cried in a movie?
RK: [Laughs] That's a good one. I'll tell the truth. "Forrest Gump."
JC: Yes, I could see that, Moving on, since this is cheappop, have you ever been guilty of a cheap pop?
RK: Oh no man. I'm good to [the fans.] I don't do that.
JC: If given the opportunity, would you like to body slam Bette Midler?
RK: Who's Bette Midler?
JC: Oh, you know. Would you like to? Not to provide the opportunity.
RK: Yes, I would. Legdrops. Dropkicks...
JC: Ok, getting serious, what do you continue your best match to be?
RK: I've had so many great ones: Hardy. AJ Styles.
JC: What do you consider the most defining moment in your career?
RK: Unchained, TNA released me, gave me a mic and let me talk. That's probably the
time right there.
JC: Thanks, man. Now for the question on every fan's mind: What was your favorite bed-time story growing up?
RK: [Laughs] Was the ghetto man, no bedtime stories growing up - just sirens.
JC: Tough neighborhood, huh?
RK: Yeah. Tough life. I was right there.
JC: So basically if you told someone from the old neighborhood that you cried at "Forrest Gump" you'd get your ass kicked?
RK: I got a lot of respect there- they cry at movies, too.
JC: It takes a big man to admit he cries at movies.
RK: I'm human, man, a machine with a human heart.
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com October 2005
Many wrestlers often say they've "made it" when they reach World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) annual spectacle: "Wrestlemania." But, some grapplers slip through the cracks, and never make it big in the WWE. Ron "the Truth" Killings is one of them, and he couldn't be happier about it.
Killings, who never quite reached his potential with the then-World Wrestling Federation as K-Kwik, has reestablished himself in TNA. Whether the Charlotte, NC native's finishing off an opponent with an impressive Axe Kick or raising hell and (often hilarity) with his stable the 3Live Kru (with Konnan and BG James), Killings has really come into his own. And now that TNA has signed a lucrative contract with SpikeTV, every one will be able to see one of the best wrestlers in the ring today. We at the cheap pop recently caught up with the former NWA World Heavyweight and Tag Team Champion, on the heels of a huge Oct 23 Pay-Per-View dubbed "Bound for Glory." One thing's for sure, he's not afraid to spill the beans on what went wrong with the WWE, what's gone right for TNA, and oh yeah, how he's been entering the ring rapping long before John Cena through on a retro jersey, and called himself a gangsta. He was also nice enough to put up with our silly questions.
JC: Right off the bat, what went wrong with the WWF? Did they give up on you?
RK: I think basically they gave up They didn't know what to do.
JC: It looked, to me, that they kind of pigeonholed you with a rapper gimmick and it really didn't work.
RK: It would've worked. As a matter of fact, I produced some music I wrote that I could rap to.
I guess nobody put in for that. I started thinking about not getting writing credits. They wouldn’t give ideas. They just dropped the ball there. I was blackballed [at WWE]. It's like TNA is the quicker pick-me-upper.
JC: You and your fellow TNA wrestlers must be excited to be on SpikeTV...
RK: It's a lot of energy. It's like we're ready-to-go. I mean, man, like from day one - you know what I'm saying?
JC: Totally. I know you aren't head-to-head with WWE yet but signing Team 3D and Kevin Nash are huge. Plus, I'm sure there's a lot of free agents out there that TNA is trying to sign. Is it exciting for you when these guys drop in?
RK: I'm excited. I figure there's enough money to go around.
JC: Your stable, 3Live Cru, seems to be on to some big things, and already have built a fanbase.
RK: I relate to them. We actually have brotherly love and we hang together. That's what makes the group real.
JC: Speaking of real, your raps seem effortless. What do you think of a guy like John Cena in the WWE. He's running with the rapper gimmick now.
RK: I think that he wants to rap against me. TNA [probably] won't let me. He's not a real rapper. He has a smart [gimmick] but he's just a proxy.
JC: You think he's just a flash-in-the-pan?
RK: I think he'll work the gimmick for awhile.
JC: Who do you think had the worst gimmick in wrestling?
RK: [Laughs] There's a lot of them. I don't know. Doink the Clown? Because there were so many different motherf--kers [playing him].
JC: This has nothing to do with anything, but have you ever cried in a movie?
RK: [Laughs] That's a good one. I'll tell the truth. "Forrest Gump."
JC: Yes, I could see that, Moving on, since this is cheappop, have you ever been guilty of a cheap pop?
RK: Oh no man. I'm good to [the fans.] I don't do that.
JC: If given the opportunity, would you like to body slam Bette Midler?
RK: Who's Bette Midler?
JC: Oh, you know. Would you like to? Not to provide the opportunity.
RK: Yes, I would. Legdrops. Dropkicks...
JC: Ok, getting serious, what do you continue your best match to be?
RK: I've had so many great ones: Hardy. AJ Styles.
JC: What do you consider the most defining moment in your career?
RK: Unchained, TNA released me, gave me a mic and let me talk. That's probably the
time right there.
JC: Thanks, man. Now for the question on every fan's mind: What was your favorite bed-time story growing up?
RK: [Laughs] Was the ghetto man, no bedtime stories growing up - just sirens.
JC: Tough neighborhood, huh?
RK: Yeah. Tough life. I was right there.
JC: So basically if you told someone from the old neighborhood that you cried at "Forrest Gump" you'd get your ass kicked?
RK: I got a lot of respect there- they cry at movies, too.
JC: It takes a big man to admit he cries at movies.
RK: I'm human, man, a machine with a human heart.
Tenay redux
To celebrate the relaunch of thecheappop.com - we'll be running several retro wrestling interviews that appeared on the site last year. First off, we give you the one... the only... Mike Tenay...Tenay wants to reignite
the "Monday Night Wars"
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com 2006
TNA Impact! Wrestling Announcer Mike Tenay is called the "professor." Now, he may not be able to solve mathematical proofs, lead seminars on Archimedes, or lecture on the importance of fossil fuel, but when it comes to the world of pro-wrestling, he's an expert. The Las Vegas native has been in the biz for five decades - getting his start in the mid-to-late 1960s by starting his own wrestling newsletter and penning stories for various magazines. By 1991, he started up The Wrestling Insiders, a national wrestling radio show, and soon thereafter, became the voice of the World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) 900 hotline. A Lucha-Libre Pay-Per-View later, Tenay joined WCW television as a commentator, and by 1996, became a full-time wrestling personality.
When WCW went the way of the buffalo, Tenay found a new home with TNA Wrestling some three-and-a-half years ago. In recent months, TNA seems to be growing like a prepubescent boy, and in time, Tenay recently told thecheappop, he expects the company to compete against that other wrestling organization in Stamford.
JC. You've been with TNA since the beginning. You must be ecstatic on landing that Spike TV deal.
MT. It's a tremendous opportunity. There's that core group that have been with TNA from the start for the three-and-a-half years - when we were just on Pay-Per-View, and made the advancement to Fox Sports, and kind of had a rough time slot on Friday afternoons. Now, it's sort of the culmination of all that hard work that has really paid off.
JC: TNA's ratings have been doing very well thus far, but it seems people are still waiting for the company to land that one big star to give you guys a boost. Does that bother you?
MT: No, not in the least. I think what we have right now is a really good mix of recognizable talent along with the best group, without question, of young talented [wrestlers who] really have not been discovered by the mainstream media or the main stream wrestling fans at this point. The better that TNA gets recognized, the more established we get, the opportunities will be there for us to be in the running for negotiations with the top stars. Certainly, the recent negotiations that we had with Mick Foley - you know we actually had the agreement with Mick Foley before he resigned with WWE - is sort of an indicator that it's just a question of time. I think we've already done it. The signing of Team 3D was huge for us, and I just think many more windows are going to be open for us.
JC: Foley would've been huge...
MT: It would've been big without question, but if you got a chance to watch Taboo Tuesday, and saw Mick Foley, you might say, 'hmm, I wonder if Mick Foley made the right decision.' It was, to me, disappointing to see how Mick Foley was used in his first match in a year and a half at Taboo Tuesday. We found out probably two-plus months ago that he wasn't coming, and there was certainly one day in the office where everybody went 'damn, that would've been great to have Mick Foley on our first show.' After that one day, it's been full steam ahead. He isn't the be all, and he isn't the end all to any wrestling promotion. I don't think there's really that one quick fix where all of sudden your ratings are equivalent to WWE. I think the number of people that could have that kind of impact on ratings is very small. [There's] probably just a handful or less of people that are the household names.
JC: Like a Hulk Hogan, for example, landing in WCW...
MT: I don't think that really is going to be the scenario. What I see is acquisition of top levels names without question, and when people see the recognizable faces we have- the Jeff Jarretts, the Team 3Ds - the people they are familiar with through the years in watching, they then are exposed with the other younger talent we have like an AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. That's when your overall product really becomes something that catches on with the public. I think back to those days in WCW, and to me, when WCW was really at its peak, and really going great guns, we had a lineup top to bottom that something for everybody. We had that dream match on top involving a Hulk Hogan and a Randy Savage. We had that next bubble match with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. We had a tag title match with the Steiner Brothers involved, and then underneath that, we had Chris Benoit fighting maybe for the US Title, and had a tremendous group fighting for the Cruiserweight Title with Eddie Guererro, and Juvetud Guerrera, and Rey Mysterio and that bunch. Then, we had people like the Luchadors, where you could start off the show with a six-man Lucha Libre tag. To me, overall, I think I'm more concerned with great depth on the roster to give people a great product. I think that one huge acquisition, it certainly can help, but you don't have to that.
JC: Still, there are a lot of free agents there...
MT: There are free agents, but are they free agents that you really want to commit to [that's] the question. Some yes. Some no. Some have contracts that are currently viable, [some] are just waiting for their contracts to expire and others whose contracts have expired and they're waiting for that 90-day non-compete window to expire. [There are] a lot options for TNA right now. The more established we are, the higher ratings that we get, the more viable of an alternative we become to the WWE for the talent that's out there.
JC: And, the more viable TNA becomes, the quality of wrestling gets better because of the competition...
MT: I think anyone who's followed wrestling for more than a couple years knows that when the Monday Night Wars were at their peak, you had not only the best possible wrestling on television because of the competitive spirit and competitive drive between the two companies to put on a better product, but also by far you had the largest viewing audience. It really is to the absolute betterment of the industry. I think the WWE product has become very stale. It's become very repetitive, and I've been a wrestling fan since 1962, so some of the time I was a kid watching wrestling, you always anticipated new faces coming into a territory. When wrestling went national, you were always looking for that guy to jump from the WWE to WCW or vice versa to freshen up the overall product to give people matches and rivalries that they hadn't up until that point been able to see.
JC: So, you watch the other product?
MT: Oh, are you kidding? Absolutely. Every minute that they put out, I watch. I watch every TV program... all Japan pro-wrestling... every WWE show ... in terms of Mexico, I watch two hours a week... every UFC program. If you're involved in the wrestling business, you have to watch the competition. If you're not, then you're not paying attention, and you're going to get passed by.
JC: When you're watching the other products, do you envision some of the talent in TNA?
MT: Absolutely. In addition to being a fan, that's the main reason that I'm watching all those other shows: to see the talent. Every time a TV wrestling show comes on it's, in essence, a scouting mission.
JC: WWE's Christian just quit... what's your feeling on TNA signing him or other available guys?
MT: I was at a Casino earlier today and immediately a person walked up to me and said 'have you signed Christian?' They didn't say 'hi, Mike.' They didn't say 'last night's two-hour special was great.' I kid you not. In terms of specific names, I can't talk about them, because legally, they still have that binding and have that contract with the WWE or other companies. But, I can tell you every time there's a free agent, we take a vote and decide.
JC: That sounds like a good process- something WCW didn't have. What in your mind was the downfall of WCW?
MT: It's difficult to say one thing led to the death of WCW. There were a number of negatives to the company. Poor management was definitely one of them but not the only one... Incredibly poor booking in the Vince Russo regime without question was another thing that drove people away by the millions. And, In certain instances, certain talent were given too much power and creative control...Without question, you'd have to be blind not to see the end of WCW was coming.
JC: Lastly, would you say the goal for TNA is to be on Monday nights where WCW once thrived?
MT: Wherever Spike TV decides to put us, I think we'll be thrilled to death. I think the ratings have already proven that we're an unqualified success on Saturday night at 11. I think you'll see many more specials coming. If we prove ourselves, if ratings are there, then I think they're going to move us into a position like that. In eventuality, I think Monday night head to head would be just great. Let's renew those Monday Night Wars. If you asked me even maybe a year and a half or two years ago, I probably would've said '[not] in my lifetime,' but you know what, I've changed my mind on that. I think we will see it. I don't know exactly when, but I think TNA's going to be up to the challenge and I think we'll provide real stiff competition for them.
Sudden death
Mike Tenay also took time out to answer some very silly questions.
JC: If youre the professor, who's Gilligan?
MT: Don West
JC: Does TNA really stand for Tenay Non-Stop Action?
MT: I have heard that a lot. I've seen that on signs. My favorite all-time wrestling sign was "La Parka is Mike Tenay."
JC: Have you ever stood at a urinal with La Parka?
MT: Boy, oh boy. Through the years - probably. I can't remember specifically but probably everybody else on the roster... if you knew how many times I was backstage in the dingiest arena or locker room...
JC: What'd you have for dinner last night?
MT: Not, very exciting. I was flying back from Nashville to Las Vegas, so I was forced to take a ham sandwich on the flight back, but I had a Fosters to go along with it...or two.
JC: What's the craziest thing to ever happen at a Nitro party?
MT: I was never at a Nitro party because I was always doing Nitro shows. Craziest? Probably something involving Bobby Heenan and it was probably something X-rated I cant get into.
JC: Did you cry when David Arquette was named WCW champ?
MT: I didn't care for it. I was definitely in the meeting when that was suggested by Tony Schiavone. So, you can blame Tony Schiavone to a certain extent for making the suggestion, but the person you have to blame for the decision is Vince Russo.
JC: Are you secretly a cruiserweight?
MT: I think I probably qualify.
JC: Did you ever frog splash Nicole Bass?
MT: I met her on several occasions. Frog splash her? [It's] never been on the top of my list?
JC: Did you ever stand next to her at urinal?
MT: I wouldn't want to be put in that situation.
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com 2006
TNA Impact! Wrestling Announcer Mike Tenay is called the "professor." Now, he may not be able to solve mathematical proofs, lead seminars on Archimedes, or lecture on the importance of fossil fuel, but when it comes to the world of pro-wrestling, he's an expert. The Las Vegas native has been in the biz for five decades - getting his start in the mid-to-late 1960s by starting his own wrestling newsletter and penning stories for various magazines. By 1991, he started up The Wrestling Insiders, a national wrestling radio show, and soon thereafter, became the voice of the World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) 900 hotline. A Lucha-Libre Pay-Per-View later, Tenay joined WCW television as a commentator, and by 1996, became a full-time wrestling personality.
When WCW went the way of the buffalo, Tenay found a new home with TNA Wrestling some three-and-a-half years ago. In recent months, TNA seems to be growing like a prepubescent boy, and in time, Tenay recently told thecheappop, he expects the company to compete against that other wrestling organization in Stamford.
JC. You've been with TNA since the beginning. You must be ecstatic on landing that Spike TV deal.
MT. It's a tremendous opportunity. There's that core group that have been with TNA from the start for the three-and-a-half years - when we were just on Pay-Per-View, and made the advancement to Fox Sports, and kind of had a rough time slot on Friday afternoons. Now, it's sort of the culmination of all that hard work that has really paid off.
JC: TNA's ratings have been doing very well thus far, but it seems people are still waiting for the company to land that one big star to give you guys a boost. Does that bother you?
MT: No, not in the least. I think what we have right now is a really good mix of recognizable talent along with the best group, without question, of young talented [wrestlers who] really have not been discovered by the mainstream media or the main stream wrestling fans at this point. The better that TNA gets recognized, the more established we get, the opportunities will be there for us to be in the running for negotiations with the top stars. Certainly, the recent negotiations that we had with Mick Foley - you know we actually had the agreement with Mick Foley before he resigned with WWE - is sort of an indicator that it's just a question of time. I think we've already done it. The signing of Team 3D was huge for us, and I just think many more windows are going to be open for us.
JC: Foley would've been huge...
MT: It would've been big without question, but if you got a chance to watch Taboo Tuesday, and saw Mick Foley, you might say, 'hmm, I wonder if Mick Foley made the right decision.' It was, to me, disappointing to see how Mick Foley was used in his first match in a year and a half at Taboo Tuesday. We found out probably two-plus months ago that he wasn't coming, and there was certainly one day in the office where everybody went 'damn, that would've been great to have Mick Foley on our first show.' After that one day, it's been full steam ahead. He isn't the be all, and he isn't the end all to any wrestling promotion. I don't think there's really that one quick fix where all of sudden your ratings are equivalent to WWE. I think the number of people that could have that kind of impact on ratings is very small. [There's] probably just a handful or less of people that are the household names.
JC: Like a Hulk Hogan, for example, landing in WCW...
MT: I don't think that really is going to be the scenario. What I see is acquisition of top levels names without question, and when people see the recognizable faces we have- the Jeff Jarretts, the Team 3Ds - the people they are familiar with through the years in watching, they then are exposed with the other younger talent we have like an AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. That's when your overall product really becomes something that catches on with the public. I think back to those days in WCW, and to me, when WCW was really at its peak, and really going great guns, we had a lineup top to bottom that something for everybody. We had that dream match on top involving a Hulk Hogan and a Randy Savage. We had that next bubble match with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. We had a tag title match with the Steiner Brothers involved, and then underneath that, we had Chris Benoit fighting maybe for the US Title, and had a tremendous group fighting for the Cruiserweight Title with Eddie Guererro, and Juvetud Guerrera, and Rey Mysterio and that bunch. Then, we had people like the Luchadors, where you could start off the show with a six-man Lucha Libre tag. To me, overall, I think I'm more concerned with great depth on the roster to give people a great product. I think that one huge acquisition, it certainly can help, but you don't have to that.
JC: Still, there are a lot of free agents there...
MT: There are free agents, but are they free agents that you really want to commit to [that's] the question. Some yes. Some no. Some have contracts that are currently viable, [some] are just waiting for their contracts to expire and others whose contracts have expired and they're waiting for that 90-day non-compete window to expire. [There are] a lot options for TNA right now. The more established we are, the higher ratings that we get, the more viable of an alternative we become to the WWE for the talent that's out there.
JC: And, the more viable TNA becomes, the quality of wrestling gets better because of the competition...
MT: I think anyone who's followed wrestling for more than a couple years knows that when the Monday Night Wars were at their peak, you had not only the best possible wrestling on television because of the competitive spirit and competitive drive between the two companies to put on a better product, but also by far you had the largest viewing audience. It really is to the absolute betterment of the industry. I think the WWE product has become very stale. It's become very repetitive, and I've been a wrestling fan since 1962, so some of the time I was a kid watching wrestling, you always anticipated new faces coming into a territory. When wrestling went national, you were always looking for that guy to jump from the WWE to WCW or vice versa to freshen up the overall product to give people matches and rivalries that they hadn't up until that point been able to see.
JC: So, you watch the other product?
MT: Oh, are you kidding? Absolutely. Every minute that they put out, I watch. I watch every TV program... all Japan pro-wrestling... every WWE show ... in terms of Mexico, I watch two hours a week... every UFC program. If you're involved in the wrestling business, you have to watch the competition. If you're not, then you're not paying attention, and you're going to get passed by.
JC: When you're watching the other products, do you envision some of the talent in TNA?
MT: Absolutely. In addition to being a fan, that's the main reason that I'm watching all those other shows: to see the talent. Every time a TV wrestling show comes on it's, in essence, a scouting mission.
JC: WWE's Christian just quit... what's your feeling on TNA signing him or other available guys?
MT: I was at a Casino earlier today and immediately a person walked up to me and said 'have you signed Christian?' They didn't say 'hi, Mike.' They didn't say 'last night's two-hour special was great.' I kid you not. In terms of specific names, I can't talk about them, because legally, they still have that binding and have that contract with the WWE or other companies. But, I can tell you every time there's a free agent, we take a vote and decide.
JC: That sounds like a good process- something WCW didn't have. What in your mind was the downfall of WCW?
MT: It's difficult to say one thing led to the death of WCW. There were a number of negatives to the company. Poor management was definitely one of them but not the only one... Incredibly poor booking in the Vince Russo regime without question was another thing that drove people away by the millions. And, In certain instances, certain talent were given too much power and creative control...Without question, you'd have to be blind not to see the end of WCW was coming.
JC: Lastly, would you say the goal for TNA is to be on Monday nights where WCW once thrived?
MT: Wherever Spike TV decides to put us, I think we'll be thrilled to death. I think the ratings have already proven that we're an unqualified success on Saturday night at 11. I think you'll see many more specials coming. If we prove ourselves, if ratings are there, then I think they're going to move us into a position like that. In eventuality, I think Monday night head to head would be just great. Let's renew those Monday Night Wars. If you asked me even maybe a year and a half or two years ago, I probably would've said '[not] in my lifetime,' but you know what, I've changed my mind on that. I think we will see it. I don't know exactly when, but I think TNA's going to be up to the challenge and I think we'll provide real stiff competition for them.
Sudden death
Mike Tenay also took time out to answer some very silly questions.
JC: If youre the professor, who's Gilligan?
MT: Don West
JC: Does TNA really stand for Tenay Non-Stop Action?
MT: I have heard that a lot. I've seen that on signs. My favorite all-time wrestling sign was "La Parka is Mike Tenay."
JC: Have you ever stood at a urinal with La Parka?
MT: Boy, oh boy. Through the years - probably. I can't remember specifically but probably everybody else on the roster... if you knew how many times I was backstage in the dingiest arena or locker room...
JC: What'd you have for dinner last night?
MT: Not, very exciting. I was flying back from Nashville to Las Vegas, so I was forced to take a ham sandwich on the flight back, but I had a Fosters to go along with it...or two.
JC: What's the craziest thing to ever happen at a Nitro party?
MT: I was never at a Nitro party because I was always doing Nitro shows. Craziest? Probably something involving Bobby Heenan and it was probably something X-rated I cant get into.
JC: Did you cry when David Arquette was named WCW champ?
MT: I didn't care for it. I was definitely in the meeting when that was suggested by Tony Schiavone. So, you can blame Tony Schiavone to a certain extent for making the suggestion, but the person you have to blame for the decision is Vince Russo.
JC: Are you secretly a cruiserweight?
MT: I think I probably qualify.
JC: Did you ever frog splash Nicole Bass?
MT: I met her on several occasions. Frog splash her? [It's] never been on the top of my list?
JC: Did you ever stand next to her at urinal?
MT: I wouldn't want to be put in that situation.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The Rejected Face Push of the Week
Broke-Hart Mountain
Sadly, I remember eating these unusual looking ice-cream confections, and always being upset that I never got Hogan. But according to this blatantly homo-erotic ad, Jimmy Hart loved to lick them all.
Sadly, I remember eating these unusual looking ice-cream confections, and always being upset that I never got Hogan. But according to this blatantly homo-erotic ad, Jimmy Hart loved to lick them all.
- the sports jew
Monday, February 5, 2007
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Sunday, February 4, 2007
Peyton Manning
Chicago Bears, Don't feel too bad, there's still time to represent at Wrestlemania again. 
And then there were two Humperdink blogs
In this case, it's two "number ones" making a real "number two."
Pork Chop sideburns
Not for nothing, but Ken Patera looks like the poor man's James Caan in this pic. 
The best there was, and the best there ever will be.
So you kept Eugene but...
Best heel you guys had in years... bring his Italian wanna-be Iraqi ass back to the WWE!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Friday, February 2, 2007
Thursday, February 1, 2007
THUMP!
We would watch wrestling cartoons for hours every Saturday morning just to see an animated Junkyard Dog grab someone's cakes
Rest In Peace
Honestly is The Undertaker's winning streak at Wrestlemania really that impressive if you think about it..
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Breaking news...
We've just received reports that this man is cool, cocky, and indeed bad. Please be advised.
For what it's worth...
Okay so the movie's bad, but is it just us or does Hulk Hogan look like he's hungry for some cake here instead of looking like a bad ass in this movie poster? I mean seriously, he looks like Mr. Stay Puft.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
99 Problems but a bitch ain't one
Ring ring.
Hi Sharmelle, it's Kwee Wee
Who?
Kwee Wee remember you used to manage me in WCW under the
name Paisley?
[Click]
Hello?
Who?
Kwee Wee remember you used to manage me in WCW under the
name Paisley?
[Click]
Hello?
Sensitive Ponytail Man
It's unclear if the Bears will win this Sunday, however, it's very clear that Steve "Mongo" McMichael brought nothing to the table as a member of the Four Horseman. Okay - we take that back, he wore one hell of a pair of nuthuggers.
Ode to Ole
And another thing, Ole couldn't even keep his eyes open during a picture nevermind cutting a promo! Who are you pointing at anyway?
Double A
Not for nothing, but this guy's been milking Ric Flair's tit since 1993. Seriously, what has he done?
Who's Next!?!? Who Cares!??!
What has no mic skills?? no wrestling ability?? and was last seen teaming with a Stormtrooper from Graceland!??!
Mental Music Video, Vol. 2
Beautiful - lyrics by James Blunt
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Fucking high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Fucking high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.
Um, unfortunately we can... please go away
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