EricG

They had Lawler lined up on the same team as Funk, but WWE pulled him a week before the event. What a weird promotion, and almost nothing of note that really holds up today considering the amount of talent they used.

I'm a copy editor at a one of the top insurance companies in the country. Sort of a mindless desk job at times but we're a fairly progressive company, excellent benefits, some mildly exciting projects and materials. Easy work load.

Regarding Holly, I read it a few months back and loved it. Essentially reads like a direct shoot interview in novel form (makes for an easy read), and he definitely doesn't tip-toe around any of the conflicts of his career. If for some reason you don't want to read the book (I highly recommend it), here's a lot of the information in a summary I did for another website:

From memory, there's pretty limited options. I wasn't into behind the scenes stuff back then, but ... He goes over on Von Erich or Bulldog? I can't even think of anything they'd even have time to build at that point, because you'd have to go far back and change the outcome/story of the title match at the Royal Rumble to change the card/build for 'Mania. Warrior goes over Slaughter and they do the Warrior vs. Hogan rematch at Wrestlemania, perhaps there's some issue (botched interference from Savage?) where it ends up being Slaughter vs. Savage with Savage teasing a turn before the match and then turning at the event like they ended up doing. Or they do something similar with Taker and Savage to elevate Taker quicker?

Yeah, it's really weird. I got the same vibe from his last book, and his constant drinking stories didn't really do anything to crush that impression.

I really enjoyed the discussion on Bryan's episode discussing the definition of success vs. failure in wrestling, especially comparing Punk feeling like a failure because he didn't headline Wrestlemania, and how he relates his ideals of successes. It's an interesting way of seeing two different ways of looking at the same situation.

Anyone have an idea who the other "big man" (along with Tarver) was that was tossing around Gregory Irons in the battle royal, which lead to Irons' concussion story a few years back? Tarver doesn't mention him by name and I can't trace it back. Jason Bane? Tommy Mercer? I ask only because I'm locally in Cleveland and have been around that scene for awhile. (And I like gossip).

He should have a blog entry up soon, too. http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20150314/NEWS/150319604

Yeah, the problem with some of those characters is that they aren't funny in multiple appearances because it's sort of the same joke retold in a different way (the girl you don't want to meet at a party and the porn star bit), so they become more characters of the original characters. And, twice removed, the jokes don't really work. I have no idea why Taran isn't the breakout star of the show right now.

But by the end of the two episodes I was happy where it ended up so I don't really mind now. Me, too. But ... and ... This show is awesome. I'd definitely recommend it.

Agreed. This was really the only sort of "insider" stuff that might be interesting. Plus, he isn't much of a conversationalist (they touch on that a tad, too) so it's not a must-listen episode by any means.

Nothing. Retired in 2010 then came back for another two matches for AIW in 2011. Spoke to him around the end of 2009 and he really wasn't big on dealing with promotors all over the country, I'm guessing that was a reason for his retiring. He was into MMA at the time, don't know if he ever did anything with that.

The way NASCAR works, this would never work. Well, it would possible, but you'd have massive losses in sponsorship dollars to the teams (more than half the teams would lose roughly a third of the money they get from sponsorships) and a host of all other problems. Every form of racing allows this no longer eligible for a championship/title/etc. to race, NASCAR is no different. I'm not sure why NASCAR would be singled out for allowing this. The non-Chase drivers still want to win, to earn a victory or run toward the front, but, more importantly, to earn a larger share of the purse and earn exposure for their sponsors (and, keep employees employed). Plus, just financially, a lot of the bottom-tier vehicles depend on being able to show up, make the field, and collect a small portion of the purse money to grow. Even if that money was shifted toward those still eligible and removing the bottom-tier vehicles from those races, you'd have the bigger teams getting even bigger and the smaller teams disappearing. Plus, there would be zero incentive for those drivers to do absolutely anything until the end of the race, and, I'm not sure anyone would have interest watching only a few cars on the track for the last ten races.

The Chase format actually lessens the chance a big name/marquee driver will win it all. It works (and worked) against the name guys like Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr.

As a Browns fan, I've been following this pretty closely. The co-host of our team-affiliated Cleveland Browns daily radio program basically had a meltdown at the beginning of the show regarding the same issue. In early May, his suspension was handed down and he quickly appealed. Once the NFL handed down the suspension, they didn't have much say in how things went from there. In regards to the time between this appeal (which was originally scheduled for mid-July), at my best, educated guess is that this time was spent by Gordon in getting his representatives (hiring the top lawyer in these issues), getting his materials together, records, formulating possible arguments, etc. This opinion was shared by the usually knowledgable host, and that seems to be the most logicial answer. His appeal hearing with the arbitrator was originally scheduled for mid-July and was pushed back. There's a number of reasons it could have been pushed back, by Gordon's representatives to prepare additional materials, at the request of the arbitrator for any number of reasons, etc. Once the hearing happened, two things happened. One, the arbitrator requested more information and communicated with more sources after the hearing, for reasons that aren't public. Two, the NFLPA may or may not have been trying to work out a settlement in regards to the suspension (attempting to get eight games instead of a year, etc.) Gordon publicly thanked the NFLPA, so I would guess, at some point, the NFLPA was attempting to negotiate something, which further delayed the ruling. Today, the appeal was ruled on, and it was denied, meaning the suspension now officially stands. I think the problem stems from the NFL not announcing the suspension in May. They should have announced his suspension, and that Gordon is appealing the decision. The NFL wasn't the one sitting on their rears on this one. The only chance now, according to PFT, would be filing an injuction. If so, it probably wouldn't work, and if it did, would only serve as a temporary delay to the suspension. Either way, you'd have to be a complete moron (or, suffering from some sort of addition problem) if you can't stay clean (or only congregate around those who are) if that's the only thing standing between you, your only prospect of a decent profession, and $1.4 million.

Its official, Edwards to Gibbs in the #19.

There has to be something to it - very few of the graduates work a large amount outside of Chikara and a large portion of them seem to work strictly Chikara/Wresting Is... shows.

Agreed. Listening to him scream over the radio in joy was fairly entertaining, and certainly a feel good moment for someone who made a huge mistake a few years ago after getting the best opportunity of his career. He out-raced the best road course driver in the series on older tires. I also found it a bit self-serving (perhaps understandably so) of Ryan Newman to criticize the facility for not having standard safety walls around the entire track like most of the other tracks do.

Biffle staying, Edwards definitely gone, announced this weekend. Trevor Bayne taking Edwards' spot at RFR, #6.

Cleveland's first two options are from 1950 and 1964. The last option is The Fumble in 1987. Buffalo's three options are Wide Right, the Music City Miracle, and Beebe running down Lett in the Super Bowl. It's sad when the only positive play was a hustle on a fumble return when they were already getting blown out. Detroit's include Dan Orlovsky running out of the back of the end zone.

The Hardyz and the Hardcore Holly themes are actually generic, royalty-free music that companies can use. It'll pop up everywhere and the Holly theme is all over the male-based automotive shows and Spike TV.

Bob Holly talks about it quite a bit in his book too. He said that the Bart Gunn/Butterbean match was promoted under BFA rules but behind the scenes, Bean would only fight if it was straight boxing pretty much ensuring Bart had no chance. He also said that Blackman would've won the thing in a walk but tore his ACL training. Yep, here's a quick summary: Holly talks about Brawl for All, and says it was a tool to get Steve Williams over, nothing more. Each guy would get $5,000 per match, win or lose, with the winner getting $100,000. Tiger Ali Singh dropped out, so Bradshaw suggested to management that Holly take his place. Blackman was entered, and started training. Holly labels Blackman as one of the most dangerous men he’s ever met. Once they found out Blackman was going to basically start ripping apart people with kicks, they changed the rules of the competition. Blackman blew out his own knee in training, otherwise, Holly says he still would have won. Holly lost to Gunn in the first round. He said the judges fixed the first Williams’ fight, as this was nothing more than a competition to put him over. The next match, the entire locker room exploded in the back when Gunn knocked out Williams, because they know management wanted Williams to win. Holly says he was next to Williams, who was getting looked over by the training staff, as he had a dislocated jaw and torn hamstring, and Williams said “I don’t know what they’re going to do now … they already paid me the prize money.” He thinks Gunn won the following bouts against Godfather and Bradshaw fair and square. He says the Butterbean match was revenge from management for Gunn knocking out Williams.

Definitely Keselowski at fault for this one, and, couple that with the unnecesary complaining regarding Kenseth at Richmond, he's not making any friends. Darrell Waltrip pretty much spilled the beans about Biffle to MWR on the pre-race telecast, unless he's just messing with everybody. Opens up a seat at Roush, possibly another, with Edwards rumored to Gibbs (again).

A few days late and a few dollars short, here are my thoughts on the Cleveland Browns draft. Round 1, #8: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State: I love the trade with Buffalo, and I don't know any Buffalo fan who would be happy with trading up to grab Watkins and giving up a future first and fourth, as I really don't see Buffalo making the playoffs this year. You can make the argument that they knew of Gordon's suspension prior to the draft, and maybe should have taken Watkins, but with it up in the air, I like sticking to a plan and not changing it because of panic. Shortly after Buffalo took Watkins, Stevie Johnson was traded for a fourth-round pick (which could become a third-round pick) - I can't imagine how quickly Buffalo fans would have ran to the cliff if the Browns would have received Johnson instead of Buffalo's 2015 fourth-round pick. I'd venture to say Gilbert can probably handle most number one NFL WRs right now. He has great speed and tremendous strength, and is big enough to not be pushed around. The most important trait, though, is the way he moves; every movement is fluid and nothing looks unnatural. Combine this with excellent instincts and ball-skills, and you have a shut-down corner. I'm guessing Pettine was leave Gilbert and Haden alone, freeing up the defense to run more blitzes from either the S or LB position or change up coverages. The only thing I don't like with Gilbert is he isn't aggressive as he could be. He doesn't attack the ball-carrier, especially against the run, and doesn't hustle to the runner. I can't even imagine how good he would be if he was more aggressive in run defense or was a true student of the game. Who should/could they have picked: I'd take Gilbert and a future first-round pick over Watkins. Other options at this point may have included Taylor Lewan, (he has character concerns), Aaron Donald (Cleveland already has a very strong DL), or Ryan Shazier. Round 1, #22: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: I'm not sure what to think about this pick. For one, I don't like the circus surrounding Manziel, which is partly brought on by himself and partly created by the media. I do thing he's either going to be a massive success or massive failure. The problem this also brings to Cleveland is the fans and media will be constantly screaming for him shortly after Hoyer's first incomplete pass. I really hope that he doesn't play this year, unless he shows coaches he is dedicated to the game and/or Hoyer implodes. Manziel is in for a massive wake-up call once he finally does start for Cleveland (and, at one point this season, he will start). I really hope he drops the "Johnny Football" antics and becomes a student of the game, and can adjust to the speed of the NFL. I'm wondering how his undisciplined style is going to mesh with the NFL game as well. From a purely athletic standpoint, he can make most of the throws. He never gives up and isn't afraid to make any throw or grab a few yards on the ground. Big hands, good speed, and is always looking down the field for the open receiver. However, he won't have as much time to look down the field as he did in college. He'll also often run when it isn't needed, created a 'busted' play when he should stay in the pocket, step forward, and make a throw with the pocked closing in. Who should/could they have picked: They tried to trade up to pick 20 for Brandin Cooks, but New Orleans offered a better deal. You also had Marcus Smith, OLB, and Kelvin Benjamin, WR, available. I would have rather had either of those two players over JF, or perhaps would have even stayed at pick 26 and would have taken Derek Carr, QB. There also needed help at S and could have grabbed Jimmie Ward or Deone Buccannon, as both could have played SS next to Whitner at FS. Round 2, #35, Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada: I was really hoping they would pick up at least one offensive lineman with their first three picks, as the Cleveland's right side of the line is one of the worst in the league. Mitchell Schwartz, RT, regressed heavily after an average rookie season, and we had no one to fill in the G position next to him. After Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, was picked at 33, I didn't think the Browns would go with a OL here, but they may have been targeting Bitonio all along. He'll play RG for the team after playing T in college, and can play any position on the line. Mayock raved about him. He fits right in with Joe Thomas and Alex Mack - he's incredibly tough, doesn't have a history of injuries, and has excellent footwork. He's relentless, finished off blocks, often blocking the defender out of the play entirely. He'll succeed in the NFL because of his maturity and work ethic, despite not have elite position skills. Not that it means much, but he had the fastest 40-yard dash and cone drill, as well as the highest vertical jump, and longest broad jump at the combine at his position. Who should/could they have picked: I like this pick, but if you're going to play devil's advocate, Derek Carr, QB, was available (obviously, you wouldn't take him after taking Manziel, but what if they had taken Kelvin Benjamin previously and Carr here?). They could have taken Marqise Lee or Jordan Matthews, both WRs, but I don't know how much better they would be this season instead of Miles Austin or Earl Bennett. Round 3, #71, Christian Kirksey, OLB, Iowa: I was really hoping Jeremiah Attacochu, OLB, would somehow fall to the third round, but he was picked at pick 50 by San Diego. The picked Kirksey, who will play inside (and probably start) alongside Dansby. He's an excellent "football player," but I don't think he'll translate well to ILB at the NFL. While he is smart, he is light and lanky for playing on the inside. He isn't the most aggressive tackler and doesn't shed blocks well - I can see teams like Pittsburgh and Baltimore running right over him. He would probably be better suited to play OLB, and, he was graded as a round 4 or round 5 pick. Who should/could they have picked: Preston Brown, ILB, Chris Borland, ILB, or Tre Mason, RB. Round 3, #94. Terrance West, RB, Towson: West was often labeld a "poor man's Carlos Hyde" coming into the draft. He's a company guy with excellent feet. I think the new regime in Cleveland singled him out for his physicality and toughness. He runs hard, makes quick breaks, and loves to wear down a defense. He will fit nicely with Ben Tate in our zone-blocking, power-running scheme. Who should/could they have picked: This was a decent pick for that pick, they could have also picked up Dri Archer or Jerick McKinnon, both RBs, but those two may not fit the proposed scheme Cleveland will implement. There were also a number of CBs who went off the board shortly after West did. Round 4, #127, Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood: If you have a chance, I urge you to read his back story. I can't believe the hours he put in just to stay in his college program and support his family, and that's probably a reason Cleveland targeted him. He make plays, but didn't face a decent amount of talent coming from Division II. Like Gilbert, his has smooth hips, good footwork, and attacked the ball rather than playing the defender. It worries me that, also like Gilbert, his isn't aggressive in playing the run or tackling. Who should/could they have picked: I don't have knowledge of most players beyond the second or third round. From what I can see, Tre Boston, SS, was picked right after Desir, and they could have also grabbed Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, which would have filled a need. Other notes: Cleveland traded their seventh-round pick for a 2015 sixth-round pick from Baltimore. Cleveland traded away their fourth- and sixth-round picks for San Francisco's third and picked West. Cleveland traded their first-round pick to Buffalo and gained a 2015 first- and fourth-round pick from Buffalo, then traded a 2014 fifth-round pick to jump ahead of Minnesota. Cleveland traded a third-round pick to Philadelphia to swap spots near the end of day one. I'm not going to try and figure all of this out, but I believe we had 10 picks going in, and came out with the above six players, and three additional picks: A 2015 Buffalo first-round pick, a 2015 Buffalo fourth-round pick, and a 2015 Baltimore sixth-round pick. I like the way Cleveland added valuable players by trading away some of our later picks, which would have been project picks, and grabbed players that can contribute from day one. Gilbert, Bitonio, and Kirksey will probably start, West will probably see a decent number of touches for a rookie, and Desir will see action in nickel and dime packages, and be asked to contribute on special teams. My grade: B+, and that is with assumption that those in charge know that Kirksey can become a legitimate ILB playing every down.

Here's a little something to keep you occupied until football starts back up! This league starts off where last year's ended. I think we had a half dozen posters from here, and about 15 in the entire league. If you're unfamiliar with Fantasy Auto Racing, its very easy to play. You pick from the entire pool of active drivers each week (there's no draft). You pick two top-level drivers, four mid-level drivers, and two bottom-level drivers before qualifying and practice starts on Friday (or Thursday, depending on when the race is held). You then 'start' one top-level driver, two mid-level drivers, and one bottom-level driver from those that you picked before practice started. You earn points based off of their finish. It's that easy. You're limited to 12 starts per driver, per season (there are 36 total races per season). It will also eliminate your lowest scoring week once per 12 weeks, so if you have a horrible race, forget to pick your drivers, etc, it won't count the point total for this week. Feel free to invite whoever you'd like! Group ID: #9082 Group Name: Lucky Dog Group Password: gofast Drop Scores: Drop 1 Week