jimmykorderas

My Wrestlemania Week-end Recap!

For so many Wrestlemanias, I have had the honor and privilege to be a participant on the grandest stage of them all at the showcase of the immortals. This past week-end, Arda Ocal and I were joined by our long time close personal friend Slammin’ Steve in Miami,Florida and took in Wrestlemania 28. Three lifelong wrestling fans making the pilgrimage to what was quite possibly the biggest event the WWE has ever held. It took a little while to recover from our trip but we had maybe a little too much fun. Here is a rundown of our trip to the sunshine state.

First up for us was the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony which is a must for any WWE fan. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one, you are really missing out on a truly special night. It is an evening where you get to see and hear these legends passion and sacrifices for this business rewarded and recognized. Ron Simmons, Mil Mascaras, The Four Horsemen, Mike Tyson (celebrity wing), Yokozuna and the man I specifically made the trip for, Edge. There was no way I was going to miss my friend’s induction into the Hall of Fame. It was an incredible night that didn’t feel at all like the three hours the ceremony lasted. By the end of the night I was left wanting more and that pretty much says it all about how much I enjoyed the Hall of Fame.

Then we moseyed over to the hotel where the WWE Superstars were staying. I can’t speak for my travelling companions but for me it was like a family reunion. Among the old buddies I had a chance to catch up with were; Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Sgt. Slaughter, JBL, Gerald Brisco, Michael P.S. Hayes, Tommy Dreamer, Rhyno, Haku, Mark Henry, Matt Striker, Brodus Clay, Ezekiel Jackson (who almost squeezed the life out of me with a reverse bearhug), and of course Christian and Edge. I know I’m leaving some guys and gals out and for that I apologize.  Nonetheless, it was a fantastic time chatting and reminiscing until the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday afternoon rolled around and before driving out to Sunlife Stadium, the Three Amigos took in WWE’s Fan Axxess at the Miami Beach Convention Center. There were tons of really cool things to do and see. We didn’t stay long because it was almost time for the pre-Wrestlemania press conference so we left for the Stadium.

The conference was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. As we got closer to the venue, traffic was already getting heavy at 4 p.m. Thank goodness we had a media parking pass because the parking outside the stadium was steep. Once inside, we sat through the presser which was fun but I was anticipating Wrestlemania28 and couldn’t wait for the show to start. Then, it was show time. We had a great view from the media box and we got the pre-show Tag Title match. Then Lillian Garcia sang an incredible rendition of America the Beautiful. Say what you will about her ring announcing skills but this lady can really sing.

Then the moment of truth, WM28 begins with a bang. Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Shocking to say the least! YES, YES, YES, chants broke out all over the stadium for several matches afterwards. The crowd was electric and remained that way for most of the show. A few matches later, we were all a witness to greatness when The Undertaker fought HHH in Hell in a Cell with HBK Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. This was not just an instant classic, it was a performance for the ages as all three of these greats not only stole the show, they cemented their places as three of the greatest in-ring Superstars of all time. It was just magical and after seeing all three men embrace at the top of the ramp, I felt like I could have left right then and there and still not be disappointed.

We then got Punk vs. Jericho which was a stellar match as well. Don’t get me wrong, these guys delivered as well. They just had a tough act to follow and they did an admirable job of brining the audience back.

By now I was thinking there was no way this show could get any better but boy was I wrong. The Rock vs. John Cena may not have been a technical masterpiece or have the emotion of HIAC, however; the electricity and sheer excitement was off the hook for the main event. After Rock beat Cena, the extremely vocal crowd voiced their collective approval. If there would have been a roof on the building, it likely would’ve blown right off. It was an unbelievable moment that I was so happy to be there for.

Before WM28, I watched the previous three ‘Manias on TV or in a theatre. I was thrilled that I attended this event live this year. If you haven’t had a chance to go to a Wrestlemania, you are really missing out. For those of you who have been, you all know exactly what I am talking about. It’s something that every wrestling fan should do at least once in their lives.

We were not done there. The next night we sat in a jam-packed American Airlines Arena for Monday Night RAW. Once again the crowd was incredible. It was very evident that the excitement from the night before had carried over. It was the perfect way to end a terrific week-end any wrestling fan would love. Getting to just relax, sit back and just enjoy the show LIVE was different for me. It reminded me why I became a wrestling fan in the first place. I felt like a young man again, for three days at least.

Until next time, stay thirsty my friends.

Ok, many have responded to my Rock/Cena blog post via twitter with both positive and negative comments. Like I always say, everyone has their own opinion and that’s what makes being a wrestling fan so much fun. The never ending debates. If you disagree with my viewpoint, that’s fine. That is what makes this whole thing so much fun is wondering what if.

In the spirit of having fun, what if John Cena came out during The Rock’s sing-a-long to confront The Great One? I do wish that Cena would have made his way back to the ring after the “Rock Concert” to respond to his WrestleMania opponent. If I were John Cena, I would have done just that. So I took the liberty of jotting down a few lines Cena could have used, not that The Doctor of Thuganomics needs my help because he definitely doesn’t. I like many others just like to have fun. Nevertheless, here it is. It would’ve gone something like this:

So the Rock brought up my wife and Mom, I can’t believe that he went there;
Before he decided to visit my mom, he should have thought about dyed that grey hair.

You know I talk to my mom every day, she filled me in so I got the report;
She said you fell asleep as soon as you got there, and the “People’s Strudel” came up short.

As far as my wife is concerned, your comment got zero reaction;
But I wasn’t the married one out in the back, trying to get some Stratisfaction

So on April 1^st John Cena WILL defeat the Rock, at WrestleMania 28;
Then you’ll go back to making crappy “B” movies, while I stay right HERE to Rise Above the Hate!

WORD LIFE!

The great debate has begun. Who is winning the war of words between The Most Electrifying Man in all of Entertainment The Rock or The Face of the WWE John Cena? There are many on both sides of the fence and both camps are very vocal about their allegiances. As an observer and a fan, I look at this situation from an unbiased point of view. As a former WWE referee, I have no vested interest in choosing sides. I only want to be entertained and what I may find entertaining others may not agree and that’s fine. That being said, here is how I see the war of words between these two Mega Stars.

I am absolutely thrilled that The Rock has come back to the WWE. He is adding excitement and energy to the company. WrestleMania 28 may just be the most successful WrestleMania ever due in large part to his participation in the event. My issue with The Rock is that he has not turned up the intensity. Arda’s Big Mac analogy is a fair one. The Great One has been relying mainly on his tried and true material. I get that! Fans that have not seen The Rock before will get a kick out his shtick. It’s new and fresh to them. Those who are nostalgic are enjoying the trip down memory lane. I did to, at first. Now it’s time for him up the ante. Change gears and go for the jugular instead of Yo Mamma jokes and shots at Cena about being married and kissing Eve. I do disagree with my friend that Rock is phoning it in. I don’t think he would ever phone it in. What I do believe is that he is getting bad advice from someone and his stuff doesn’t feel organic.  He’s just doing what he knows best. I just think he is staying in his comfort zone.

On the flip side, John Cena came out of the blocks being somewhat passive in his verbal exchanges with Dwayne. His trying to be the bigger man routine wasn’t engaging in my opinion which is why I believe the WWE Universe was solidly behind The Rock. In the past few weeks though, John Cena has been the aggressor. Cena has been the one to put the “Heat” back into this rivalry. His interactions with The Rock have been epic as of late and in my opinion, he’s winning the battle on the mic. The return of The Doctor of Thuganomics this past week on RAW was Old School Attitude Era Cena. People will argue that we’ve seen this before and we have. However, we have not seen it in many years and we don’t get that every week so it was a refreshing departure while The Rock is giving us familiar stuff on a weekly basis.

In a nutshell, Cena came out and punched Rock in the face and The Rock responded with 20 minutes of mediocre comedy and ended the segment with bad Karaoke.  Cena hit a home run and Rock hit a double at best. Cena was loaded for bear while Rock went to the ring with a 22.

At the end of the day, the WWE Universe will continue to cheer for The Rock no matter what he does or says. He is very charismatic and he is great at getting the crowd to react. Conversely, there is a portion of the audience that will boo John Cena solely because they are conditioned to do so.

All that being said, Is The Rock entertaining, YES! Is he a legend in this business and deserving of his spot a WrestleMania 28, ABSOLUTELY! I just believe that John Cena has made the proverbial “Comeback” in this rivalry and taken the lead in the build-up to the Showcase of the Immortals. That’s the way I see it.

Stay thirsty my friends!

This Sunday February 19th 2012, the WWE presents their Elimination Chamber Pay Per View from the home of Richie and The Fonz, Laverne and Shirley and let us not forget a few good beer companies. Yes, I just dated myself but it should be no surprise to those who know me. On to the subject at hand. Before each WWE PPV, I will give you my predictions of the scheduled matches. At this moment, there are 4 matches confirmed so here are my picks going into this Sunday.

WWE Divas Title: Tamina Snuka vs Beth Poenix (c)

In this contest, I can see Tamina as a formidable opponent for Beth. It will be a very even match in which Snuka will show us moves we have not seen from here before. If I were a betting man (and I used to be) my money would be on Beth retaining the title. The match the WWE Universe I believe is clamoring for is Beth Poenix vs Kharma. I know that’s the match I’m looking forward to.

Winner: Beth Phoenix

Ambulance Match: Kane vs John Cena

This match-up could go either way, in my opinion. I would not be surprised to see Kane emerge victorious in this bout. That being said, I feel John Cena will “Embrace The Hate”  and win the match by unleashing a fury that those who like and dislike Cena have never witnessed before. The end of this match may see John Cena finally realize that it is OK to let loose when the situation calls for it. He understands what Kane was trying to do all along. Kane on the other hand, is incapacitated, place on a stretcher and stuffed into the back of the ambulance. I can see the camera focus on Kane through the back window of the ambulance with him strapped to the gerney as he laughs maniacally knowing that he accomplished his goal, forcing Cena to do things he never thought he would have to do to stop the Big Red Monster.Next up for Cena Wrestlemania 28 and The Rock!

Winner: John Cena

Smackdown Chamber Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs Big Show vs Wade Barrett vs Cody Rhodes vs Great Khali vs Santino Marella

As my Aftermath co-host Arda Ocal stated on Aftermath TV this past Friday night, this match sets up perfectly for the Champ, Daniel Bryan. Lately, the Champ has escaped almost certain defeat pretty much on a weekly basis and I believe this Sunday will prove to be no different. I can see Big Show being so intent on getting revenge on D. Bryan for all he has done to him this past month that he will lose focus and fall victim to the others in the match. Wade Barrett is definitely the dark horse. He is the one that could benefit greatly from a win here but I still think that Bryan will somehow beat the odds and leave the chamber still your World Heavyweight Champion. We will then see the over the top, ridiculous celebration that has been his trademark since becoming the champ. (Possible late entrant. Christian attacks Santino [ala Edge] before he enters the structure and inserts himself into the match. Teddy Long comes out and informs him that he will allow him to participate in the matchonly because Santino cannot and this is the “One More Match” he so wanted. Of course it doesn’t work out for him but that won’t stop him from asking for “One More Match” on the next episode of Smacksown.)

Winner: Daniel Bryan

RAW Chamber Match: CM Punk (c) vs Chris Jericho vs R-Truth vs The Miz vs Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler

With Wrestlemania 28 just around the corner, I can only see only two superstars likely coming out of this match with the championship. Those two would be CM Punk retaining the title or Chris Jericho stealing a victory and going to WM28 WWE Champ. As Sheamus mentioned recently on Smackdown, statistically, one of the two main titles changes hands at the Elimination Chamber PPV. This is the title I believe will. The way I see it, again to borrow an idea from Arda, playing off his Royal Rumble idea, CM punk is one of the first two to begin the match. Punk ends up eliminating most of the guys in the match but not before taking a thorough beating himself. As Jericho is still in his pod waiting to get into the match,  Punk eliminates the last participant, (maybe Ziggler) stands in the center of the ring waiting for Jericho. With his attention solely on Chris, Ziggler sneaks up behind Punk, hits the Zig Zag and then applies the sleeper actually putting Punk to sleep. Jericho’s pod opens. He casually saunters over to Punk. Then, he drops down and performs a tight cover, hooking both legs on the unconscious champ. 1-2-3 and you winner and Neeeeewwww WWE Champion, Chris Jericho. I think it would garner him enormous heat and make Punk’s title chace to Wrestlemania that much more intriguing.

Winner: Chris Jericho

That’s how I see things unfolding this Sunday. Of course it is only mere speculation on my part but you never know. As it is said, anything can happen and usually does in the WWE.

Enjoy the Elimination Chamber and stay thirsty my friends.

There are many young WWE Superstars currently on the main roster trying to make an impression on the WWE Universe and break out of the pack. Some are finding it tough to get the ball rolling while a few others have taken the ball and have begun to run with it. One individual that may be considered a pleasant surprise and has not only taken off running with the ball but has scored a touchdown is the current World Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Bryan.

Yes I know and understand that Daniel Bryan spent 12 years plying his craft with the hope of someday making it to the WWE. Yes, those who have followed his career from the very beginning know just how talented an in-ring performer he is. From a technical standpoint, he is absolutely one of the most sound and solid “pro-wrestlers” in the world today. That is well and good but it takes more than technical prowess to be a WWE Superstar. Daniel Bryan understands that and has become a complete WWE Superstar.

Generally speaking, when a talent takes the microphone to address the audience, he or she is looking to illicit a reaction. It really doesn’t matter whether it is a positive or negative response that depends on which side of the fence the person speaking is on (hero or villain). That being said, the desired effect is to engage them and make them interested in what you have to say. Daniel Bryan has embraced this and has used his time on the microphone to get the WWE Universe to detest him for his smug, I’m better than you attitude. He really hit his stride when he professed to everyone that he was a vegan and that all who are listening to his voice should join him and renounce eating meat. For most people, that would garner a negative response. I know it did with me, but I digress.

It is not only D. Bryan’s talking skills that have impressed me lately, the entire situation between him and AJ has become must see TV. Their pairing is a natural and when you throw The Big Show into the mix, it makes for compelling television. On a weekly basis, I find myself waiting to see how he is going to weasel his way to either another victory or how he will avoid losing his precious title. It seems AJ has become a willing participant in Bryan’s plan to keep the WHC by any mean necessary. All of this reminds me of another great WWE villain from the past, John Bradshaw Layfield.

You may wonder, how can I compare Daniel Bryan to JBL? After all, they are not alike in any way, shape or form you may think. On the contrary, physical stature aside, they are very similar in many ways. First off, they are both great talkers. Each may have their own distinct delivery but they do get the audience riled up with their condescending superior attitudes. JBL may have a slight edge in this department as he would create such resentment from the crowd that occasionally a fan would attempt to jump the barricade separating the ring from the paying customers just to get a shot at the New York cowboy. Thank goodness for the WWE’s security team. Let’s just leave it at that.

For me, the biggest similarity is in the manner in which their matches end. More often than not, at the end of his matches, JBL rarely looked liked the winner and champion even if he did indeed win the match. When he did not win the match, JBL almost always escaped with his title in tact. Daniel Bryan seems to have adopted this philosophy and taken it to new heights. I refer to him as the modern day Houdini. Whether he enlists the aide of his girlfriend AJ or just plain abuses the system and takes advantage of the rules or loopholes in them to maintain his championship, Daniel Bryan has quickly become my favourite “bad guy” in the WWE. As I stated earlier, he has become a complete WWE Superstar and taken his career to the next level. Some may feel that his days as World Heavyweight Champ might be coming to an end but I see it differently. I believe that Daniel Bryan has earned his position on the roster and will continue to excel as the smarmy little brat who somehow manages to cling to his title, at least until Wrestlemania 28. If I had my way, Daniel Bryan would figure out a way to keep that championship on the grandest stage of them all. For now I’m going to enjoy the ride and hope that you do as well.

Until next week, Stay thirsty my friends.

It seems that every year when the WWE announces their Hall of Fame inductees, someone is up in arms over at least one of the selections. I am not going to debate whether or not certain individuals deserve to be inducted. My Aftermath cohort Arda Ocal did a fine job making his point in a recent blog for the latest entrant announced Monday night for the Hall of Fame and why he would merit inclusion. YES! Mike Tyson is going into the WWE’s hallowed Hall of fame and in my opinion, deservedly so.

I had the pleasure of getting to meet “The Baddest Man on the Planet” the day after the 1998 Royal Rumble. Monday Night Raw emanated live from Fresno California. There was a definite buzz all day long around the venue as everyone waited for the arrival of Mike Tyson. Once Tyson entered the arena, he looked like a kid in a candy store. Not only were the WWE Superstars anxious to meet the heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson himself was ecstatic upon meeting the “Boys”. He seemed genuinely happy to meet and say hello to everyone including a young balding referee from Canada.

The day seemed to go by very quickly as we were about to go live when I happened to bump into Tyson again. I was talking to Headbanger Chaz in a narrow hallway when Iron Mike walked over trying to squeeze by. He excused himself.  As we made room for him, he passed by and thanked us. That wasn’t good enough for one half of the Headbangers. Chaz has an odd sense of humor and is not afraid to say pretty much anything to anyone. As Tyson walked away after thanking us for making room for him to pass, Chaz cavalierly said,” No problem Mike. I didn’t want to lose part of my ear.” Thank goodness he just kept on walking and didn’t acknowledge the comment. I was not entirely sure he heard it anyway.

I was shocked, chagrinned and stupefied. What the heck did he just say to Mike Tyson? I asked Chaz what was up with the “ear” comment.  He looked at me with this surprised expression of innocence on his face and said to me, “What? He has done it before ya know.” I have to admit it was funny but still, what if Tyson got really upset. Who knows what Mike would have and could have done? Chaz I’m quite sure can handle himself. I on the other hand, may have had just a bit of trouble with Iron Mike. However, the first thing I remembered was that Tyson was a world class boxer, not a sprinter. I was ready to test that theory if the moment called for a quick exit. I was fairly fast in those days.

Back to the main reason Tyson appeared on WWE television, his eventual confrontation with ‘The Rattlesnake” Stone Cold Steve Austin. Their interaction in the ring that night was off the hook awesome. When Austin flipped Tyson the double bird and Tyson retaliated by shoving Stone Cold, it was on like Donkey Kong. All hell broke loose. As we all tried to restore order, the crowd in the arena was going absolutely crazy. Everyone in the building was on their feet. Right then and there, I know this was one of those special moments that do not occur very often and I was a part of it. A small part but a part none the less. This was likely the incident that catapulted the WWE past WCW in the ratings war where they remained until the WCW closed their doors a few short years later. It was undeniably one of the defining moments in Sports Entertainment history and I was there.

Throughout my long and enjoyable career as a referee in the WWE, I have had many great personal moments and I am very grateful for each and every experience. I will endeavour to bring you more of them hear in the Aftermath blog each week. Until the next time, stay thirsty my friends!

Over the past several weeks, I have written about my top 3 personal favorite Royal Rumble moments. John Cena’s miraculous return in 2008, the controversy surrounding the 2005 Rumble match and the infamous 3 Faces of Foley Rumble in 1998 were all incredible RR moments. I know there are many others but there is one moment in particular that WWE fans still ask me about to this day. It’s time to finally set the record straight about the 2001 edition of the annual classic.

The question that everyone constantly asks me is, “did you keep any of the money you scooped up that Kane slapped out of Drew Carey’s hand?”  Before I finally tell you all the truth about this, let me paint the picture from my vantage point. Truth be told, even my Aftermath Radio co-host Arda Ocal hasn’t heard the real story about this night so this will be news to him as well.

As a referee in the Royal Rumble match, you have to be prepared for anything that can and may happen during the match. We all knew that comedian Drew Carey was to be a participant in the match but were not aware of how involved he would be. As the clocked clicked down to zero while Matt and Jeff Hardy fought to eliminate each other, who should appear in the #5 position but Drew Carey.

The Cleveland Ohio native was in no hurry to enter the ring. The Hardy’s managed to eliminate one another simultaneously which left Carey as the only entrant standing in the ring. As the time counted down to the #6 entrant, Drew anxiously awaited the next Superstar to enter. The look of utter fear in his eyes told the story as flames and pyro lit up the New Orleans arena and Kane walked confidently to the ring. Once inside, he raised his arms above his head and quickly brought them down and more flames shot out from all 4 ring posts. A terrified Carey extended his hand in an attempt to shake hands with Kane but the Big Red Monster just stared a hole through Drew. Carey then reached into his pocket and pulled out several $100 bills. Kane slapped the money out of his hand and wrapped his extra large hand around Drew’s throat and was about to choke slam the future Price Is Right host. (If you look at the photo above, you can see me eyeballing the cash.)

This is where I leaped into action. Seeing all that money just laying there in the ring and with all those photographers hovering around ringside, I decided that the only smart thing would be to scoop all the cash up. Raven, who was the next entrant in the Rumble stormed into the ring hitting Kane with a Kendo Stick making him release Carey who, in a blink of an eye, jumped over the top rope thus eliminating himself from the Rumble.

Here’s where I’ve had fun with the story over the years. I have told people that I gave it back when the match was over. I’ve told others that I may have kept some of the cash before returning the rest of it. The actual truth is, and this is the very first time I am telling this, is that I was so concerned about what “the office” might think that I gave the money right back to Drew Carey as soon as he eliminated himself from the Royal Rumble. I didn’t hold onto it, I didn’t keep any of it, I just figured the sooner I gave it back, the less chance of me being blamed if it were to disappear. I could always put the blame on the millionaire comedian. In hindsight, not sure who they would have believed had the money gone missing. It could’ve been one hell of a trial.

Well, there it is. It only took 11 years for the truth to rear its head. I just couldn’t live this lie any longer. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Well, maybe not but it was fun letting fans think I may have copped a few dollars that night. For one night, people thought I was “The Bad Guy”. Probably not but a guy can hope.

This weekend is the 25^th annual Royal Rumble. I have had the honor and privilege to have been a part of many of them. Those memories will be with me always. Hope you all enjoy the Pay Per View this Sunday. I’m very much looking forward to it myself. Until next time, stay thirsty my friends.