TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL OF TNA WRESTLING

I try to avoid mass negativity on here. It slips out at times, but that is simply a personal opinion that isn't able to be delivered in a negative light haha This time though I care not. It is nearly impossible to approach things positively in TNA. Beyond the talent, who are good but in the wrong place at the wrong time, it has been and is a mountain of garbage.

The title says, to be a fly on the wall of TNA Wrestling, and right now I would really like to be. Reports are stating that Dixie Carter is looking for investors and partners to help keep TNA afloat. The reports are also saying that she is looking to maintain a 51% majority ownership. This is why I want to be that proverbial fly on the wall, as I really am curious as to how Ditsy is selling this idea to people. Her own fathers company, Panda Energy, pulled out financially about half a decade ago so how can she ask others to give her their money and expect a return? I am curious as to who and what she blames TNA's failures on, because she clearly isn't saying that it was her. It is easy to think of possible scapegoats. Jeff Jarrett and the whole Kurt and Karen thing years ago, his backing out of the company. Vince Russo fooling her and creatively destroying her company. Spike TV. Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff. Any talent who didn't get over. Vince McMahon. Etc. Etc. But, nothing was Ditsy Carter's fault though hahaha
WrestlingInc.com is reporting that there are a few investors lined up despite Ditsy wanting to stay in charge. But, things are so bad financially that she might have to settle for a much less of a role and give control to others. How bad? She owes one of those investors for having put up the cash for recent tapings, and if she doesn't pay up by a certain date she loses her controlling stake.

In summary, Ditsy buys a new but thriving company from Jeff Jarrett. Despite all the talent and Daddy's money, ev-er-y-thi-ng fell apart. And is so bad at business, she is about to lose control of her company instead of negotiating a way to at least give it away. I will always feel for the people below her who will possibly lose a job if things don't work out (with or without her). But, since WWE has been scooping up TNA made talent (AJ Styles, Samoa Joe) or at least teasing at it with some (Robert Roode) I like others aren't suffering too much by all of this. Also like many others, a smirk grows on my face at the thoughts of Dixie proving how Ditsy she really is and then never being seen again.

THE ORIGINAL SCREW JOB

When we hear or think of "Screw Job", those whom aren't overly perverted, think of the Montreal Screw Job. However, it wasn't the first time Vince McMahon turned the tables of a champion. The original screwing came in the mid 80's well before the internet and everyone having access to the "dirt sheets". So, for some of you this may be something new to you.

When: November 25th, 1985
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Target: Wendi Richter, WWF Womens Champion
Players: Vince McMahon, The Fabulous Moolah, Dick Kroll (referee)

Apparently, it was again over not signing a contract. Ironically, the same month only 22 years earlier than Montreal. The difference here, is that there is nothing stating Wendi Richter was looking to "jump ship" like Bret Hart was doing. Montreal makes sense in many ways, however the original screw job doesn't really. It would appear Vince McMahon via Gorilla Monsoon, was trying to get Wendi to sign a new deal, Which she had been rightfully asking for. Wendi was looking to be compensated, something happened. What exactly, we are not sure. Was it Vince worried she would become a "diva" (pun intended) and hold the title ransom? Was he pissed Richter didn't jump and sign the deal? Was it simply her asking to wait until after the match to read and sign it that triggered it all?

Regardless of the "why", it played out as such. Wendi Richter was scheduled to face the mysterious and masked Spider (Spider Lady). However, after whatever happened with Vince, The Fabulous Moolah dawned the costume and mask, and replaced whomever as Spider Lady for this match. Unbeknownst to Richter, who appears to be the only person "out of the loop" on this one. Although Richter says that she had a hint that something was up given the change in Spider Lady's physical appearance, but couldn't just walk away from the match. Vince found the right spot in the match to do the screw job, a small package by Spider Lady in which Wendi is supposed to (and did) kick out of. The ref of course was in on the swerve and made sure that there was a 3 count. Bell rings. And although would appear to be part of the show, Richter rips off Moolah's mask, and even appears to attempt to pin her. It is possible, that this was all part of the "training" that goes with pro wrestling. Continue as planned, if at all possible.
Again, with no internet and McMahon not using the angle to unveil "Mr. McMahon" most of us were completely unaware of the realism that was happening. For the average fan at at time, just assumed it was part of the business. People came and went for years. Even though Wendi Richter was as over as she was, she was still a professional wrestler. It wasn't until years later that the masses were made aware of this. If you hadn't read or watched a shoot interview with Wendi Richter, you finally heard the full story (at least her side). The one thing Vince did do however, was replay the spot through the years. Never explaining, simply showing it. Richter basically disappeared after that. She did carry on in the independence more a moment, even capturing other Womens Championships, but very little before retiring in 2005. Then, perhaps as an apology for the screw job, WWE inducted Wendi Richter in the 2010 WWE Hall Of Fame.

Much like the Montreal Screw Job, a lot of this does still feel like a "work". We never really know for sure. Was there a reason Richter needed to drop the title? Was there real life issues on any kind, or anything that lead to a mutual agreement? Appearing as a swerve would garner attention no matter the era. Who's to say it just didn't back fire, leaving Richter getting the shaft. Even after everyone involved giving their stories, it's confusing. Add that although it is on life support, Kayfab still exists. And the further back you go in wrestling history, the stronger it becomes. But, the Montreal Screw Job could easily have been Vince and Bret looking to help each other. Bret with legit beef going into WCW and having something to talk about, and Vince with his new direction. That is all of course, if we're not being told the truths haha As it is "dead horse" status in regards to all involved telling us.

CANUCK WRESTLERS I WASN'T AWARE WERE CANADIAN

There are the obvious, well know Canadian wrestlers, like Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge & Christian. But, there are and were so many more. Some of these people I didn't even know were fellow Canadians, and given their "Legend Status" I am a little bit embarrassed haha While some it wasn't my fault (no, Snitsky isn't one) given the way they were promoted character wise or which background was "shown" to the public.

John Tenta/Earthquake/Shark/Golga

This discovery came with my wanting to finally know who was under the mask, who was Golga. Which of course led to the late John Tenta better remembered as Earthquake.

Abdullah The Butcher

His legend may have been tarnished at the end of his career, but couldn't believe Abdullah was a Canuck.

Fake Razor Ramon/Rick Bognar

Hey yo, the Fake Razor gimmick may have been his peak, but was interesting to find out about another Canuck in wrestling history.

Carlito And Primo

These guys are half-Canadian through their mother, and example of thinking they were "only" Puerto Rican due to how they were presented to us. Makes sense given their father was the wrestler, but interesting to see.

Steve Corino

Again, didn't get to see much of Corino but was aware of him. His Canadian roots, I was not.

Ronnie Garvin

A legend I had no clue was Canadian. Always came across as American to me as a kid.

Dink The Clown

Not a prominent player in the game, but memorable...for some of us.

Rocky Johnson

With Tony Atlas they became the first black Tag Team Champions. But, what is more interesting for me, is that he is Canadian ergo making Dwayne aka The Rock half Canuck.

Ivan Koloff

Didn't see much of his career, but his name is almost always mentioned. And given the Russian gimmick, I assumed Russian and not Canadian.

Little Beaver and Sky Lo Lo

Had no idea the two biggest LP in wrestling history were Canadian.

Jinder Mahal

Beyond his time in 3MB, didn't care as much for him. But, Knowing now he is a Canadian, would've been nice to see him at least continue in a jobber-esque role.

Kurrgan

Another Odity member who is Canadian. But, I remember him more from his small role in RDJ's Sherlock Holmes.

Santino Marella

Although entertained by the comedy route, was always annoyed they never let Santino show his inring skills. Knowing now he is Canadian, I understand. We're athletic and funny as hell.

The Missing Link

Can only remember images of him, but as a child he looked like a legit badass. Apparently, a Canadian badass.

Lanny Poffo

Should've known a person with The Genius gimmick would be a Canuck. Only born here though, but being Macho Man's little brother makes that okay.

Stan Stasiak & Shawn "Meat" Stasiak

Only knew of his Stan's career, and didn't care much for Meat (whether in WWE or WCW). But, it is interesting to find out about their Canadian roots.

Vampiro

Honestly, haven't followed him since WCW died out. Last heard he was doing his thing on the indies last I heard. I did think he had a cool concept, that needed WWE and not WCW behind it.

Viktor (The Ascension)

Not really been much since moving to the main roster, but that is likely Vince not knowing people like tag teams. Regardless, glad to see another Canuck in WWE.

Rosa Mendes

Well, they can't all be as gifted as Trish Stratus.

Rhonda Sing/Bertha Faye

Like Medusa (aka Alundra Blayze), can't remember much about her WWF career (women's wrestling was uber back burner then), but she was memorable regardless.

Rowdy Roddy Piper

Saved the best for last. I am a bit ashamed that I wasn't aware that Hot Rod was Canadian. I knew he had wrestled through here, as Canada did have some legit territories. I just assumed he was from the USA, and showcasing his Scottish heritage. Now the argument for greatest Canadian wrestler of all time has changed.

There are some others, but they just didn't do too much (in my opinion of course), or I missed them in the search. Again, this all came from wanting to know who Golga was under the mask. Although I am a bit embarrassed by having not known these people were Canadian, I am glad I know now. Still shocked that Piper was a fellow Canadian, and like I said the discussion on who is the best Canadian wrestler of all time is different now. Bret is likely the majorities vote, but knowing about Piper's roots makes for an interesting argument.

AUTOBIOGRAPHIES I WOULD LOVE TO READ

When I mean autobiographies, I mean both the life story and the tell-all stories.  Legitimate ones, which are always hard to really tell, unless you actually knew the person and "was there". And in the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, there are a few names that come to mind who I would love to read about in the manner stated. Truths, debunkings of myths and legends, unknown stuff that would've been newsworthy.

Vince McMahon

There are so many things that he could tell us. Ranging from a simple was the "glass ceiling" real, to the more corruptible like did you pay off some people to get Jimmy Snuka away with killing someone? That's just the stuff he had his hands in/on. Add all the things that he may have been privy too which also range from basic to massive.

Hulk Hogan

I always feel the good ol' Hulkster is never honest, or when he is you can never tell as he does seem to bend and alter truths. Or so it appears. So, basically have him on a lie detector and ask him every question that comes to mind from who has he screwed over, to is he really a racist. Everything and anything.

Paul Heyman

I would say put him on a lie detector too, but Paul at least makes things entertaining. Another person who would be nice to ask anything and everything. He's been around the business a long time and has had his hands in a lot of things, and his eyes and ears wide open the entire time.

Jim Ross

Another person who has been around the business for a long time and has likely seen and heard a lot of things, that he may never tell simply to protect friends, or because Vince would destroy him haha

Pat Patterson

He has been around a long time, and has been involved in controversy himself. Did he sexually harrass that guy nobody cares about? Or were he the victim of discrimination? I would like to believe he wasn't involved with what Terry Garvin was. But, it is a story worse than Benoit (if you consider possible brain damage Benoit had).

There are others I would like to see unload. Even people I haven't thought of, but would have another perspective on things that have happened in professional wrestling like The Fink. The hard part is always figuring out fact from fiction, but from the mouth type things are always better....so we have someone to pin it on when we are wrong haha

IT BEGINS WITH JACQUELINE

Rightfully so. Jacqueline did everything that the WWE product required of her at the times. The Attitude Era saw her show the confidence it takes to strut around in a bikini (even exposing her breasts on occasion), but again, that was what the WWE product needed from her at that time. Then they needed her to wrestle, and she did that flawlessly. Working with all types too, from those who couldn't really wrestle (Sable, although has some MMA ability) to even the men. Even winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Trish Status and Lita were obvious choices to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Their names were as known as any of the guys (including Rock and Stone Cold), and to be honest, if you put Sunny in there...well. With Jacqueline being inducted this year, it makes me think that combined with the recent "Divas Movement", this is a sign of things to come. There were plenty of Divas from yesteryear that deserve to be in the Hall Of Fame, and not actually talking about Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson, although there "star power" earned through wrestling makes them deserving. What about the females who were like Jacqueline and could actually wrestle.
Ivory. Another Diva who could do it all, regardless of the products direction. Her "anti-Diva" type reactions during bikini contests and whatnot added to the segment so it was more than just a meat show. She had quality inring ability, and could work a mic (being known as a chatter box helped that I am sure). Her character in RTC (Right To Censor) was just as entertaining as Steven Richards.
Victoria/Tara. She started off as one of The Godfather's hoes, and has become one of the best ever. Her matches with Trish Status were amazing, most notably their hardcore match. She seemed to get better with age, both ability and looks wise.
Jazz. Her run wasn't really that long, but she was a good wrestler and likely was held back for not "looking the part", not that she isn't attractive, but as we know there was a certain look for years...basically model like.

Molly Holly. A rare Diva who didn't have to reveal any flesh (beyond some cleavage). She sure could go with anyone in the ring. And she even "out her hair on the line" just so the WWE Womens Championship and women would be represented at Wrestlemania beyond the Playboy Evening Gown Match. Ya.
Luna Vachon. Multi generation...you know what, google the late Diva's work. That was a women's wrestler for sure.
Gail Kim and Mickie James. Might be too early yet, but they are both deserving. Like others on the list, willing and able to give what the product requires of them. Both would make perfect fits in todays Divas division.

Again, I am not against women like Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson going into the WWE Hall Of Fame, I would just prefer to see the women who could wrestle just as good as the men go in first.