RKO Edition IX

[Kano]

RKO Edition IX

Well I am back for another RKO edition. Currently I have a few ideas for the direction of my column but there are some options I would like to explore. Breaking down the RAW Upper Mid Card and Main Event is something I have been considering to do. I’m considering doing some big things.....but they will be released at a later time.
Anyways let’s get down to the opener.

Moments 22 – 19 in professional wrestling

Moment #22
Triple H marries Steph McMahon

Depending on your view on this subject depends if you think this should go onto the list. There is no denying Triple H wouldn’t be where he is without this marriage. Anyone who says Hunter would have gotten there anyways is a joke. I mean really come on. He would have gone far, maybe 5 or 6 world championship reigns, but come on 13 WWE/World Title reigns is a bit much. I mean if anyone was going to get that many reigns why not, “The Heart-Break Kid” Shawn Michaels. He has had what, 4 world title reigns and deserves what, at least 10.
Triple H is a solid worker and yes I do understand that, but with Miss McMahons help there is no doubt in my mind Triple H got there with her backstage politicking power. Was No Mercy 2007 really just so Orton could be the WWE Champion? Or was it because Triple H wanted another count to his World Title strikes?

Or how about my next crazy theory? Was the last 4 months apart of Triple H’s plan to get another world title win? I mean come on; why else would the WWE go from, Triple H to Edge to Jeff Hardy to Edge then back to Triple H. I mean Triple H is only 4 world title wins to beat Ric Flairs world championship record. And we all know Triple H is going to wanted to be remembered for eternity so, expect in the next couple of years to see Triple H winning 4 world titles. Indeed Triple H has finally admitted to being Stephs husband on screen, but it’s a load of you know what that the fact he married into the business he gets all the perks.....all the time.

Moment # 21
Chris Beniot Double Murder Suicide

This may hit home for some people reading tonight or today, but this is an event that has changed the course of wrestling for better and for worse. Some may think that is an outlandish statement but the fact is since Beniots “double murder suicide” the WWE has had a crack down on its wellness policy which I think has made the company a lot better. While it may cause jobs and standings from within the company, I think your life is more important than a position in a company. In the end what you rather be, a dead world champion at the age of 38 or a happily married, father of children dying naturally at the age of 95? I know which one I would rather take.

But then you have the negative, the media in my view showed the WWE in a very negative light. I don’t think in any way shape or form that this could all be the WWE’s fault. The backlash they received still affects them to this day. While our thoughts should go out to the Beniot family, the WWE suffered a massive setback. Finally having a respectable company and now it’s gone down the drain with WWE just starting to recover from this set back. I think the WWE should be congratulated on their form in this whole situation. They handled this in a very professional manner and it’s the media who should receive the backlash, I mean come-on, they made the thing you write about look bad. Don’t say I write about TNA or ROH, I’m not talking about what promotion you write about, I’m talking about “Wrestling”. Wrestling has taken a setback, but was it worth it? The fact lives are being more monitored then yes, this was a price to pay but in the end, it’s the WWE/TNA/Wrestling who have gained because they are now monitoring the drug use in the WWE.

Moment # 20:
The Birth of TLC

Well what a moment for fans as we knew it. The invention of the TLC (Tables, Ladders and Chairs...oh my) which brought the weapon of choice from the first 3 teams that were in the very first TLC match. The Dudley Boyz with their Tables, The Hardy’s with their Ladders and finally Edge and Christian with Chairs. At Wrestlemania 17, the very first TLC match was born and my man Edge won the match....with the help of Christian. If you haven’t seen the match I highly recommend that you buy a DVD that actually has the match. Edge “A Decade of Decadence” has the match, so watch it and be amazed.

But from there the WWE has really shaped up with the TLC match. It is my favourite match type. Well, the ladder aspect of the match. I mean have you seen Money in the Bank. Every year it tops the previous year, maybe with the exception of Wrestlemania 22. Or how about a good old Shawn Michaels ladder match. His ladder match with Chris Jericho was a masterpiece. Even his match against Razor Ramon at Wrestlemania X was awesome. I think it is fair to say, Shawn Michaels helped make the TLC match what it is today. He changed the way people looked at the match. HBK is the man who has changed the face of professional wrestling. Shawn Michaels is the innovator of the Ladder match. Among another match’s HBK really put it on the map. And now look at where this match has evolved into. MitB, the TLC match and all the instant classic matches with names like RVD, Edge, Jeff and Matt plus more. I should change the name of this moment from the birth of the TLC to the birth of “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels

Moment # 19:
Montreal Screw job Survivor Series 1997

Since finding out about this whole event, as I came to become a wrestling fan in 2005. I side with Vince McMahon on this whole situation. Bret Hart was leaving the company and was at the time the WWF Champion. He was leaving to the rival in WCW and he really though WWF would take the chance just because Bret said he would drop it the next night? Well Bret you’re and idiot. Your pride and ego were and still are your downfall. All because you didn’t want to lose in front of your hometown crowd to someone you hated in Shawn Michaels. You really thought you were their hometown hero? Sorry but the Canadians hometown hero is Adam Copeland, so just remember that. I’ve heard someone say this Bret and it’s simple, “It doesn’t matter where you lose, it’s seen all around the world” So... To put it simple Bret, what gave you the impression you could tell Vince McMahon how to run his business, he wanted HBK’s title reign to start there, so it was going to happen, and like the old saying goes “don’t cross the boss”.

The match in itself was alright, defiantly one to watch. The finish came when HBK got Hart in the Sharpshooter and Vince McMahon was heard saying “Ring the fucking bell” So it’s clear what was going to happen was going to happen there and then. It’s hard to toss up which was more of a “hostile” crowd. HBK with the Canadians on that night, or if it was John Cena with a bunch of idiotic dumb ass original ECW fans at ECW: One Night Stand 2006. Bret then proceeded to have a “hissy-fit” and just wreck the place... Hey Bret for next time, or just when you want to think about it. Did John Cena chuck a hissy fit when he was screwed from the World Championship at No Way Out? Or actually has anyone done it? No, so Bret, consider yourself lucky you’re in the HOF because, under your achievements, you’re nothing more than a cry baby, that won’t do a job he is asked to do, even though he is getting millions to actually do it. Hell I would gladly job to Mike Knox for a couple thousand any day of the week, let alone in the Main Event and getting a few hundred thousand.

Well that wraps it up this week for the moments in wrestling. Stay tuned as these will be taking a halt in my next column as it will be me and the “L-MAN” teaming up to cover WRESTLEMANIA. Make sure you look out for the “Granddaddy of all Columns” April 5th 2009.

RAW’s Main Event scene broken down

Well, this brings me to the next thing about my column and that is RAW’s Main Event scene. With names like, John Cena, Chris Jericho, Edge (yes I will include Edge), Triple H (again, yes I will include him), Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Shawn Michaels, it is pretty clear that this is a solid main event scene at the moment. With Batista out with injuries it is quite clear that being in the main event will take some serious effort and brilliant in ring work from the midcarders to actually get there. So I am going on a limb and saying a RAW star will not win MitB. If any RAW star was to win the match I would go CM Punk but anyone else, no. Anyways. RAW’s main event is by far the best it’s been. It may still have the same people, but the storylines are more interesting these days. This can be seen as either a negative or positive.

The current WWE Champion is Triple H whom is feuding with Orton, while the World Champion is Edge feuding with John Cena. Let’s have a look, 7 months ago, Triple H was a RAW star with WWE Championship and was drafted to Smackdown, while Edge was on Smackdown and was World Champion. Triple H had just finished a feud with Randy Orton. Let’s have a look now. Triple H is the WWE Champion while Edge is World Champion. Triple H is entering with a feud with Orton, while Edge whom may not be feuding with Batista like he was, is now feuding with John Cena. To say the least, I don’t have a problem with this, but some might see this as stale. I don’t, I like this, and it’s awesome. Why? Because, while names like Chris Jericho or CM Punk aren’t feuding for the title or even in the top storyline, they are still getting some awesome action. Look at Jericho. He right now is making this whole Jericho v Legends storyline oh so interesting, and Mysterio, well in the last two pay per view outings for Mysterio he has lasted a total of over an hour of ring in action. Impressive much?

While yes, I would prefer for other people to have a chance to shine on RAW it is clear that they do get their chance to shine. My own opinion is that if your being used in more than a jobbing role, then quite frankly be proud, your day will come. Look at Edge it took him what eight years to become WWE Champion. For some their day may come sooner than others, Batista, John Cena and Randy Orton come to mind. Look at names like Edge, Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels and Christian. While it took them a long time to become champion, it is without a doubt that these guys really earned their spot in the spotlight when they won the championship.
Even the mid card is stacked. You have guys like William Regal, CM Punk, Cryme Tyme, Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Mike Knox and even Santino Marella are flooding the midcard. You have John Morrison and The Miz who are also I think are on RAW. Well I know there ECW talent but they always appear on RAW, Smackdown and ECW. That is one tough gig right there. For any of these men to break out, exclude Kane as he is at the end of his career. But for someone like Ted Dibiase to jump into the main event scene he would have to prove he is better than the other people in the midcard. Making sense? Well put it this way, if you’re the WWE who would you rather represent the company? An established person who has been in the main event before in CM Punk or take a risk and put a newbie in there? I would take someone with more experience. To make someone a believable main eventer, they would have to take someone who is either on a roll or has been in the spot light before. Hence my choice of Punk over Dibiase.
Would someone like Ted be ready for the main event? Yeah indeed, but for now, if anyone from RAW was going to win MitB it would be Punk.

ECW Championship v Intercontinental Championship v United States Championship
Which is better?

Well, I take it you all read another Skaos masterpiece last week and his “rant” on the ECW/IC title. I think the point of Skaos’ column was that the IC Championship will always be better than the ECW Championship. But I am going to put a different spin on it.

It is without a doubt that back in the day the Intercontinental Championship was a stepping stone to the big one, the WWF Championship. But this is 2009. Those days are over. Look at the United States Championship; again I don’t think anyone thinks this was a stepping stone to a championship. I think this is used as a way for people to get a feel for being champion. Being the midcard championship on Smackdown it has help propel people to the main event. The ECW title is simply like a stepping stone for up and comers. It gives them a shot in the spotlight they wouldn’t get on either Smackdown or RAW.

Shelton Benjamin v CM Punk v Jack Swagger
Matt Hardy v William Regal v Matt Hardy
MVP v Santino Marella v Mark Henry
Chris Beniot v Kofi Kingston v Kane
Mr Kennedy v Chris Jericho v Chavo Guerrero

If you haven’t figured it out these are the last 5 champions with each respective championship. I will now be going through each “round” to see who has gained the most from that reign and, easily enough, this is rough guess but to see which championship is more relevant in raising people to a higher status. Well there’s no time like the present so let’s start with round 5.

Mr Kennedy-United States Champion
Chris Jericho- IC Champion
Chavo Guerrero-ECW Champion

Well here we go. 3 different competitors all different styles and all at different points in their career. Jericho’s reign was pointless but was given to him because of Jeff Hardy’s suspension. Chavo Guerrero finally got a “top” title championship run. Even if it was ECW Champion, Chavo was finally champion. He even defeated a former World Champion for it in CM Punk, so there’s no doubt that Chavo began his run with a bang. But ultimately this helped Kennedy in his career. He got some spotlight and was tested out with a championship. I’ll agree that Mr Kennedy has really become nothing as of late, but back then was when his push really got legs and even landed him the MitB briefcase. So compared to someone who was already established and someone who lost at Wrestlemania in 9 seconds. Mr Kennedy and the United States Championship were the most successful.

Leader board
US Championship-1 win
ECW Championship-0 wins
IC Championship-0 wins

Chris Beniot v Kofi Kingston v Kane

Well this is much the same as the last round of people. Except it’s the Intercontinental championship on the rookie this time round. But either way let’s give this a little bit of an in depth look. Kane had finally attained his second top championship in his entire career within the WWE. His first championship reign last just a mere 24 hours. But his ECW title reign looked set to be a dominate one, that is with the bang it began with, in beating Chavo Guerrero within mere seconds. And at least this time his championship reign lasted more than 24 hours. Chris Beniot again like Chris Jericho, was already an established wrestler. So this US reign was nothing more than to give Beniot something to do.

Where as for Kofi Kingston, this really helped him get a leg on RAW. Kofi is defiantly not one of the biggest, so for him to be on RAW is huge. He needed something this well, big to help him get noticed on the red brand. He went over a well known star in Chris Jericho and for once the IC championship finally served its core value and got a superstar over, where as for the WWE or World title, either in 10 years or maybe never at all Kofi. But this isn’t a rant on Kofi Kingston.

Leader Board
US Championship – 1 Win
IC Championship – 1 Win
ECW Championship – 0 Wins

MVP v Santino Marella v Mark Henry

Well easily hands down this has to go to MVP and the United States Championship. While Mark Henry had finally captured the ECW Championship in his long career, I mean it took him 11 years to get a top championship. And Santino was in his element with everything going on for him, but nothing did more wonders for anyone then for MVP, his feud leading up to capturing the championship and then of course his win over Chris Beniot in a very good 2/3 falls match at Judgment Day 2007. The US title win had made MVP so much more of an entertainer and in ring person. After his whole feud with Beniot, MVP would go onto having an 11 month reign as champion which is pretty impressive, defeating names like, Ric Flair, Mr Kennedy, Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy and even Batista. This was certainly the peak of young MVP’s career, and seriously I wouldn’t mind right now if MVP was to re-win the championship just to get ready to transition into main event spotlight. Santino would have won this expect for the fact that MVP’s win and run was amazing.

Leader Board
US Championship- 2 wins
IC Championship- 1 win
ECW Championship – 0 wins

Matt Hardy v William Regal v Matt Hardy

That’s right, Mattitude is up against himself. MVP had the saying of being 3 halves all at once (Half man, half awesome and half of your WWE Tag Team Champions) Matt certainly is one to win it but which one? I mean Matt ages trying to capture the US title, and when he did, he had a solid run, but when he lost he didn’t even revoke on his rematch clause which in itself was a little strange but Matt Hardy had other ideas.

But then you have Matts win of the ECW Championship and finally being a top champion within the company. Both of these wins were within 4 months of each other and there is no doubt that Matt was over by this point and people knew who he was. And the same goes for Regal, people knew who he was, so in this case neither reign did anything for any champion, expect maybe give Matt a top title win. So with that, this one’s harder because none of the three championships rose that person or helped raise their game. But just because this made Matt a top champion the win will be going to the ECW Championship...that or I feel sorry for it having no wins.

Leader Board
US – 2 wins
IC – 1 win
ECW – 1 win

Shelton Benjamin v CM Punk v Jack Swagger

This is an easy one and I’ll give an answer before I actually explain why, but Jack Swagger and the ECW Championship will get my vote here. And before I go on any further this means there is a tie between both championships, so I will make a right winner. And that winner is, The ECW CHAMPIONSHIP. In 1 year it has gotten over according to my results two people, and if that can happen, well then I guess it is a good thing. Look at the United States Championship it has also gotten over two people, but in 3 years, you would be hoping for a lot more, but hey let me explain my answer.

Jack Swagger has been with the company, for what 5 months, and what Swagger did in 5 months, took Matt Hardy 10 years. And in that time Swagger has come into his own, and after catching a couple of Swagger matches this guy is good. And the fact he has defended his belt against Christian, Finlay and Matt Hardy and retained speaks wonders for what the WWE thinks of this young man. Swaggers future looks bright, as for Wrestlemania it will be interesting to see what the WWE does with this man.

With Shelton and Punk, the reason I didn’t pick either one is because they are both well known guys. Punk is a Triple Crown Champion, MitB holder, World Champion, IC Champion and World Tag Team Champion, so it’s safe to say people would know who Punk is by now. And for Shelton, well people know him as the MitB spot monkey, US Champion, IC Champion, WWE Tag Champion and even mentored by Kurt Angle. So it’s safe to say, both guys are well known and didn’t need the rub, which these championships are meant to give.

All in all, like Shawn Michaels said back in 2005 to Carlito, “It’s not the title that makes the man, it’s the man that makes the title” from this quote some may see this last few paragraphs as a waste of writing time. Well, take it whatever way you want but, you may be an established wrestler or an up and comer, but all the WWE can do is book YOU to win the title, it’s up to you to make the title run. This is why I think, some wrestlers just sink. Because they expect being the champion will somehow make the over and an instant hit. If Vince was to give me the United States Championship, how could I expect for that title to make me over, it’s up to me to make that title and the run count.

That’s it for another edition of “The RKO Editions” this has been a real joy to write, and quite possibly is one of my best works to date, but hey. I can think that all I want; it’s up to you to feedback me and let me know what you think of this. Whether you hated it, loved it, or just simply wanna drop some thoughts of your own. You’re more than welcome to and all feedback will be responded to.

Peace!

[TheMonkeyBoy]

This was a very enjoyble read.

It was kinda like a mish mash with all the different topics but i like that because you dont get bored.

I would of put Benoit's murder and suicide higher up becuase that was a really important event that changed WWE for a while.

Nice column

Well done

[Skaos]

Excellent work here dude. You are improving every time I read you.

The Benoit incident and the Screwjob may get some criticism for their position. However I agree on it. For all the changes Benoit did to WWE, there are many more that preceded it and were much more important. On the Screwjob incident, I personally think it was blown out of all proportion. HBK was doing his job, and Bret was an arrogant prick. Bret should have respected the WWE's decision because it was them who established him and made WCW want him in the first place.

Other then that, nice to see TLC appear here. It will be interesting to see what comes next in the upcoming columns. Next time I would include ten moments on their own, just to establish the work you are doing.

Overall, you are improving significantly every post. Keep it up dude, proud of you.

[The Maz]

Could this be the last time I plug a column before reading it?

Ok, first things first. This was once again a very very solid effort and at least as good as the previous one. I am glad to see you hitting and sustaining your stride but I have to address a certain section (my avatar will say it best) and I will have to break it down a la cicero.

Originally Posted by Kano

Moment #22
Triple H marries Steph McMahon

This could be interesting

Originally Posted by Kano

Depending on your view on this subject depends if you think this should go onto the list.

Huh?

Originally Posted by Kano

There is no denying Triple H wouldn’t be where he is without this marriage. Anyone who says Hunter would have gotten there anyways is a joke. I mean really come on.

If it is a joke it is not funny. He was at the top of the business well before his relationship with Steph started. How can you say that the only world champion who has been consistently with the company from before the Attitude Era (besides Taker)is only where he is because of his marriage. The guy carried the company after Austin and the Rock left and if he wasn't good enough, son-in-law or not, a business man of Vince's acumen would have stopped it.

Originally Posted by Kano

He would have gone far, maybe 5 or 6 world championship reigns, but come on 13 WWE/World Title reigns is a bit much. I mean if anyone was going to get that many reigns why not, “The Heart-Break Kid” Shawn Michaels. He has had what, 4 world title reigns and deserves what, at least 10.

I guess that depends how much stock you put into title reigns. These days, the amount of reigns you have does not really say much about you. It is a changing business but if you look at it from that perspective, how about the fact that Edge has won a world championship 8 (eight!) times since the last time HBK won one. HBK does not need a world title, HBK marks need him to have one but there is not much point to this.

Originally Posted by Kano

Triple H is a solid worker and yes I do understand that, but with Miss McMahons help there is no doubt in my mind Triple H got there with her backstage politicking power. Was No Mercy 2007 really just so Orton could be the WWE Champion? Or was it because Triple H wanted another count to his World Title strikes?

No Mercy 2007 was about putting on a great show with a double swerve (something the WWE are seemingly very hot on right now).

Originally Posted by Kano

Or how about my next crazy theory? Was the last 4 months apart of Triple H’s plan to get another world title win? I mean come on; why else would the WWE go from, Triple H to Edge to Jeff Hardy to Edge then back to Triple H. I mean Triple H is only 4 world title wins to beat Ric Flairs world championship record. And we all know Triple H is going to wanted to be remembered for eternity so, expect in the next couple of years to see Triple H winning 4 world titles.

I find it odd that a majorly succesful business will cluster their booking that much just to have Trips add another notch to his numbers. Edge wouldn't have dropped the title unless they needed to move H to Raw which is looking like a great move right now and the person that will gain from this is not Hunter but Randy Orton. It was another great move and great swerve by the company. Barring injury, Hunter will soon pass Flair's record but that will be eclipsed by somebody else not long after his retirement. I think that looking at how many days a title is held for carries a lot more weight than number of times they have won it.

Originally Posted by Kano

Indeed Triple H has finally admitted to being Stephs husband on screen, but it’s a load of you know what that the fact he married into the business he gets all the perks.....all the time.

Triple H didn't marry into the business. He worked his way to the top of the business by busting his arse off. Whereas I will not doubt that since he married Steph he does get certain perks but I wonder how many more he gets than the other established veterans and loyal employees like Undertaker and HBK.

Until the day that Triple's "sway" causes something which is bad for business, I consider every single part of this section unvalid. Sorry.

Back to the column though Kano, I reiterate my comments at the beginning. You are doing a great job week-in-week out and to answer my initial question, the plug is very much warranted.

[JoeyShinobi]

Hi Kano

This was well written, and you've certainly come a long way. My colleagues have highlighted a lot of good points, and I agree with them for the most part.

I found this difficult to read all in one go. I can't help thinking that each of your top 25 moments are columns waiting to be written, and while the tag of random thoughts is a harsh one to slap on these, I get the feeling you want to say more but don't because it's a starter for your column. I'd like you to go into more detail, especially seeing as you were dealing with some controversial moments that a lot of fans have great emotional ties to.

I liked the idea for the belt comparison. Some formatting could have made this a little easier on the eye, but it was well reasoned and interesting.

Good stuff, man.

[Roger Murtaugh]

Alright, I'll skip the HHH remarks as my fellow Hunter fan Mazza has already covered it.

My main thing about this column has nothing to do with the content really but the way it is being used. I think it seems as if you are putting together a potluck type column and just throwing ideas at the wall. All of the ideas on their own could be a column though, so in essence you are cutting your content short.

The Top 25 moments could have been a solid multi-piece column on it's own without the other content. The same can be said about the main event scene section which could have easily be stretched into a full column.

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'd say the same thing about the title comparison section.

My main advice would be to limit the amount of things you have going on, which makes it easier to focus on the column. When you apply so many topics in the same column it becomes hard to digest the whole thing.

Like I said, the content is pretty much there just work on the structure a little bit more and I think you'll have it down.

Catch you next time.

[Kano]

Feedback Part I

Skaos

Hey Man. Thanks for reading yet again. My improvement is thanks to the feedback and my previous edtions being spell checked by you man. Thanks alot. Yeah, Bret should have been the professional. But alas he is an idiot. Thanks for reading again man. Looking forward to your next piece

Dr. Monkey

Thanks for reading man. Having your feedback makes me feel awesome. Yeah, I am now wishing I had put a little bit more content to everything, I guess I can take something away and improve for Edition X. Again thanks for the feedback which I will take on board for the next one.

JoeyShinobi

Again like I said to Dr Monkey, I've got something to improve on, so thanks for the honest feedback. I can't say much more without repeating myself, but thanks for reading. I hope to improve for Edition X. Thanks again man.

TheMonkeyBoy
Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed it. Edition X should be out next Sunday or Monday, so look out for it

Mazza

Sorry about the Hunter bashing. I will say this which I don't think I said, he is a package, he can wrestle, work a mic, cut a good promo. Nothing can take away from that, and being married to Steph won't make you awesome. I guess its just your views. Like i said in Edition VIII we all have opinions, and when opinions cause debate, thats when it's awesome. Thanks for reading. Good luck for CSI