Can the cruiserweight classic change wrestling or wwe is catching on

 Braun strowman is a mountain of a man. To look at him is to see a physical specimen unlike most men. The big show is a spectacle to be seen. He could be picked out of any crowd solely based on his mass. Wwe has built its legacy mostly on the broad shoulders of larger than life size and strength of superheroes and monsters. There will always be a place for body wrestlers and big guys in mainstream pro wrestling but on the wwe network a different style is being showcased and receiving rave reviews from its fan base.
The cruiserweight classic exclusively on the wwe network is creating a shift on how wwe fans look at sports entertainment.  A 32 man international tournament is showcasing speed, technique, high risk and most importantly the character of sub 205 pound wrestlers who are performing high quality and psychological matches where each is better than the last. The strong style of japan, Mexican lucha, European catch are being melded into a wwe style of action and production could change the landscape of raw on Mondays and smackdown on Tuesdays. 
On Monday nitro WCW featured faceless luchadors doing a lot of random moves while the announcers talked about everything but the match in the ring. The cruiserweight division in WCW was clearly just a time filler and was rendered useless. The mismanagement of the smaller guys caused the leaving of future stars like eddy guerrero, Chris benoit, Dean malenko and Chris Jericho while WCW imploded from the inside out.
The cruiserweight classic has opened the door for the return of a cruiserweight division on raw. What is the major differences between wwe beginning this division and how WCW squandered it almost 20 years ago? First, triple h believes in this batch of lightweights; which is probably most important and secondly,  these cruiserweights are a far cry from faceless. These cruiserweights are having their stories told, backgrounds given and being allowed to showcase not only what they can do in the ring but also their distinct personalities. The crowds will know who they are be allowed to get behind individuals and have a vested interest in the talent squaring off in the ring. The tournament features wrestlers like Kota ibushi an incredible bona-fide star from Japan who has competed in ddt, Noah and new japan pro wrestling; zack sabre Jr a brilliant mat technician with a master level for reversals and grappling who has competed in Noah, wxw, new japan and pro wrestling guerrilla. Gran metalik with his superb lucha Libre style of high flying expressed in cmll in Mexico as well as TJ Perkins who may be best know as suicide and manik in tna wrestling was really not given the freedom to showcase all of his ability. Perkins has an indy style that blends all styles and does so with an American arrogance that keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats. Of the 32 combatants at least 25 of them are high level wrestling studs who utilize all the advantages of being under 205 pounds but demand the attention of any top heavyweight while entertaining any pro wrestling audience.
If wwe uses this cruiserweight opportunity to its fullest not only will raw have quality matches to fill part of a 3 hour raw but will also be able to easily create a fresh wrestling scene on its flagship show that could potentially build an audience. Wwe is being given a gift on a silver platter with multiple finely tuned veteran performers with unique talents and personalities and a ready made division that is made to keep fans on their feet and interested. Gone should be the dead skits that lull the live and tv audience to sleep or shaking their heads and arrived will be a fun energetic shot of adrenaline during a tough to fill three hours of sports entertainment.
Please, please, please wwe allow the new cruiserweight division to be what it should be: high quality in ring action that will blow the audience away, edge of your seat back and forth near falls that will have the fans ooohhhing and awwwing and it will be so fun to watch. Take advantage of this opportunity and make wrestling fun for the entire audience the way it should be. The pendulum is swinging in the wwe with champions like aj styles and Kevin owens.  I believe wwe should continue the changing of the guard while still focusing on the heavyweights but allow the cruiserweights to push wwe in its new direction where sports entertainment is more about character driven high quality in ring wrestling that fans can attach themselves too; but that is just this marks remarks.
That is just this marks remarks and if you like what I have to say or you would like to tell me what you think please subscribe to this blog, like the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/amarkremarks and follow on twitter @amarkremarks thank you very much and please keep supporting.

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The curious case of brock lesnar

Brock Lesnar is a special attraction in professional wrestling. He is chiseled out of granite, he is a legit bad ass and his performances have a big event feel. Lesnar came on the scene destroying guys left and right throwing around massive men with cat like quickness. His meteoric rise within the ranks of wwe was that of no other man. Brock had the ncaa championship pedigree with Goliath like strength and a George Nada kick ass attitude.
He was clearly the next big thing in professional wrestling. Until, he decided not to be. Lesnar was not suited for road life with all of its ups and downs tempting all of its "demons". So, he quit. Lesnar gave his notice going into a huge match with Bill goldberg, who was also finishing up wwe, at wrestlemania 20. Goldberg versus lesnar was the irresistable force taking on the immovable object but the crowd, knowing both men were leaving, never gave the match a chance and the epic battle that could have been became an infamous gaff at wrestlemania.

Lesnar tried football not playing since high school and was the final cut player of the Minnesota Vikings. He wrestled in Japan with limited motivation and won the iwgp title mainly because of his look and reputation but wasn't long for trips to japan. Then brock lesnar found ufc and even with a debut loss people were pretty certain this guy would find some success inside of the octagon. Lesnar decimated heath hearring, overwhelmed randy couture, destroyed frank mir and withstood Shane carwin.  Brock was chiseled out of granite could seemingly take people down controlling them at will and becoming one of ufc's most marketable stars. Unfortunately, a contest against Cain Velazquez and a very dangerous life threatening battle with diverticulitis ended his mma career. Immediately after brock announced his retirement after a loss to Alistair overeem the buzz began about a wwe return.

Lesnar made a triumphant return to wwe Monday night raw after wrestlemania 29 and has become a destroyer ever since.  He has left superstars like John cena, triple h, the Undertaker,  Roman Reigns and most recently randy Orton in a heap as lesnar stood victorious. In a typical brock lesnar match the crowd goes bananas for the spectacle that is the beast incarnate welcoming his prey to suplex city. Lesnar brings a real feel to each of his matches as was proven when he cut randy Orton wide open, hard way, with a stiff elbow shot. Lesnar, who tried his best to protect Orton left a gash in Randy's head that needed 10 staples to close up. However, the reaction I saw after the summerslam match was a need for something new from brock lesnar. It seemed like people are beginning to sour on the prototypical brock match of suplex, suplex, suplex, suplex, suplex, suplex, suplex, suplex and f5 for the win. Randy Orton is a top star representing one half of the newly separated brands and he got almost no offense what so ever and was made to look like a meager bum against raw's beast. Plus, lesnar then f5'ed the commissioner of the smackdown brand leaving raw to look far superior to the smackdown brand, which needs to appear strong. The question has to be asked is brock lesnar's shelf life coming to an end? If the answer is yes then wwe has to use lesnar's next big time challenge (wrestlemania) as a means to create a new major star. Lesnar had to be signed by wwe with the intention to build a new big time guy, lesnar has been booked starting at wrestlemania when broke the streak to build a new big time guy and a win over lesnar would certainly build a new big time guy. Everyone has a suggestion as to who should receive the big win and I am no different. Seth Rollins is an established top guy, Roman Reigns is an established top guy and with Kevin owens just winning the universal championship he will quickly become an established top guy. I believe the win should be given to someone who can gain the most; a guy who has the experience to handle the big win but is also unestablished to the wwe universe while also being believable and real so that the wwe universe will accept as a legitimate entity. Samoa joe is the best and most deserving challenger to defeat brock lesnar. A motivated joe can be credible, big enough and agile enough to match up with brock making it an epic battle. Samoa joe has the ability to handle the physicality of brock and believability to topple the conqueror. Samoa joe will step directly into the new monster role creating fresh match ups in the wwe with guys joe has already had high profile matches with on the independent and international level. Brock Lesnar does have a shelf life and I believe with his ped usage found in the ufc, the info of his special treatment being discovered as well as his act in wwe reaching a plateau the time to pull the trigger on a lesnar loss catapulting a challenger to the top of the card. Samoa joe is the guy, the time and venue is wrestlemania. The match would be a huge spectacle and the result would help change the landscape of the wwe for the future allowing samoa joe to end his career where he belongs: a top spot on the biggest professional wrestling promotion in the world; but, that's  just this mark's remarks.

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Summerslam preview or what should happen at Summerslam

The wwe is offering us Summerslam next weekend and the card is stacked!  It is expected to be four plus hours of pro wrestling and the matches top to bottom range from should be excellent to at least good.  Summerslam also offers the rare occasion to really elevate some big names into top guy territory with correct booking.  This eleven match card has the potential to really help the wwe landscape and the outcomes necessary to do so seem very possible.
Brock Lesnar vs Randy Orton 15 years in the making:

This is the second 15 years in the making match this year (styles v cena) but wwe is really hyping this up to be an event.  Brock Lesnar should win to stay strong for a more important opponent (see samoa joe) but Randy Orton has to give the perception in this match like he could beat the beast.  I think this match should see your typical lesnar destruction early and have orton be resilient.  Keep fighting and fighting and fighting while lesnar keeps dominating and dominating and dominating.  Everyone loves a hero that never gives up, Orton should build momentum and set Lesnar up for the punt; which would almost certainly put down the conqueror, only to have lesnar catch him with a F5 outta no where for the win.  The announcers must do a terrific job of reminding the audience that Brock Lesnar won but Orton was closer than anyone to beating the beast.  It keeps lesnar strong by winning and destroying Randy but also makes Orton look strong by standing up to Brock and holding his own.  This match should be a win for both men if done right and the announcers tell the right story.
Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor to determine the first WWE Universal champion:

Seth Rollins is the man.  He is great. Probably pound for pound the best wrestler wwe has (or styles or nakamura or... well you get it).  But, as per Raw, tonight will be the debut of Finn Balor's demon king.  He will be dawning his body paint, awesome entrance and his killer instinct.  This means that Finn Balor has to win.  Finn Balor should win.  I think wwe should have saved the debut of "the demon king" for the pay per view but the match will far overshadow the mistakes this build has made. Two guys will become superstars but this is wwe's chance to really create a new top guy in balor and him reigning triumphant will be a great stamp on the "new era" of Monday night raw.
Dean ambrose vs Dolph ziggler for the world heavyweight championship:

Dean ambrose as a champion has made hay as world champion on smackdown live. He has become legitimate and should be seen as a real top guy. Dolph ziggler has been given a second chance of his wrestling career. He went from mid card enhancement to number one contender and I believe people bought into it. I do not see ziggler winning but I see these two guys putting on a very great match. I foresee ziggler putting it all on the line and maybe losing by something that wasn't his fault pushing him to turn heel and becoming a Shawn Michaels type heel that will probably lead to a big time face turn at some point. This match has to be excellent because if Dolph isn't excellent then this storyline doesn't work. Ziggler has the most at stake for this show and I hope he succeeds but if he is just good I think he will fall back to the mid cards.

Sasha banks vs Charlotte for the women's title:
These two ladies put on an excellent television match on raw a few weeks ago. They have excellent chemistry and there was a high level of emotion during that match. I am not sure that they will be able to top their TV match but I am hoping they can at least match it with a different dynamic being that Sasha is the champion. I hope they can have Sasha win while Charlotte stays strong because these two women are the top of the line of that division. If Charlotte wins it opens the door for bayley to debut but Sasha banks is due a long title run so I believe it is her time to retain.
John cena vs aj styles:

John cena doesn't have bad matches on big shows. Summerslam is a really big show. Aj styles is the best wrestler in wwe (maybe the world). This match is going to be incredible. The crowd will be so hot for it, the story is going to be excellent and the in ring will be top notch. The most exciting part of the match is that aj styles will win. John cena is the face that's runs the place who claims the future goes through him; at summerslam he is facing the right guy to beat him. What cena represents as the flag bearer of the company who is ready to pass the torch is finally, after all the attempts and fails (some unreasonable, see bray wyatt) will face the guy who deserves to beat John cena. Aj styles will be crowned the top heel at summerslam when he beats John cena clean in the middle of the ring. Styles should have a break out calendar year starting with summerslam where he will be the top guy on smackdown and it's champion. All of this starts by beating John cena and the crowd will go wild. Oddly enough this will probably also mark the turning point where the fans stop hating John cena for no reason and respect him for what he means to pro wrestling. By him losing to styles the wwe universe will finally praise him for "doing the right thing" even though he has been a positive staple of wwe for years.

Summerslam is a stacked show with very high expectations to be a tremendous show. There should be a lot of positives that come out of this show creating a lot of momentum for wwe moving forward. The only negative of the show is bray wyatt is not featured on the show at all and I really believe the time is now to push him through the roof but I will be happy if wwe does what is needed and summerslam weekend ends with superstars made, elevated and motivated to propel wwe into the new era.

That is just this marks remarks and if you like what I have to say or you would like to tell me what you think please subscribe to this blog, like the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/amarkremarks and follow on twitter @amarkremarks thank you very much and please keep supporting.

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Ambrose becomes legitimate or good guys on smackdown?

Dean ambrose cut a promo on smackdown to start the show that cemented him as a legitimate leader of the the smackdown roster. Ambrose had a cadence to his promo and a control over the crowd that resembled that of a prime dusty rhodes. I'm not saying that ambrose is on the level of Rhodes but that he cut a big time promo on Dolph ziggler that both elevated the champion and helped set the tone for an important smackdown main event at summerslam. Ambrose built himself up as fighter who constantly look adversity in the face and ran through every road block. He mentioned how ziggler was a complainer and used the crutch of people holding him down while ambrose never made excuses always pushing forward fighting to get to the top. Ambrose made himself feel like a true champion and a deserving top star, even it is on the "b show". I was very leary of ambrose being the face of the brand being that John cena will start slowly stepping back. However, Dean ambrose on the second smackdown of the new era made himself a legitimate top star based on the way he carried himself and conveyed an aura over the crowd. 
 

Dolph ziggler was ran down by ambrose as the guy who makes excuses, gets held down, doesn't focus on winning, only tries to pander to fans and steal the show. Ziggler tried to compare himself to ambrose with little success and was thwarted at every turn by the current champion. Ziggler talked about no one believing him and proving people wrong. The problem with this exchange is that ambrose was right about everything he said, all of his points about ziggler were right on the money and Dolph has really been set up for a few years as a second rate contender. Ziggler has been used to elevate guys and has lost quite a few (a lot) matches on television. So becoming a number one contender on smackdown is out of left field and doesn't seem that he should win the title. Therefore, based on the promos and Dolph saying everyone is against him ziggler should turn heel after he loses to ambrose at summerslam. Ziggler is a better "bad guy" than "good guy", it is a more natural fit for his attitude appearance. Dolph can be a chicken shit heel with no problem, he can take the heel bumps with no problem, and should be able to be disliked with no problem. During his career he has found more success as a cocky villain then being the sympathetic hero. His style will also be helped by working as a heel because it will force him to slow down, do less moves and sell.  Changing sides could potentially resurrect his career from being just another mid card guy to being a top tier rogue.
But, if ziggler turns (which is the better option) who is left on the good guy side of smackdown? Holy smokes will that roster be thin on hero's especially if cena becomes less of the focus. You'll have dean ambrose, who is a top guy, and then... Apollo crews? Smackdown does have randy Orton who is coming back hot but he is wrestling brock lesnar at summerslam and the odds of him looking strong at the end of that match are slim. So the top faces on smackdown will be ambrose, cena (becoming part time), Orton and crews? Those house shows will be something. The villain side would become aj styles, bray wyatt, ziggler, miz, and corbin. Aj styles may be the best wrestler in the wwe and bray wyatt could still be a very special type of villain but smackdown shaking up the sides really showcases how the brand split and draft did smackdown no favors to not be the best show. 

Smackdown needs more bodies, quality fan favorites that the wwe universe can get behind. The only guy in nxt that could walk in and be a top hero, immediately,  in shinsuke nakamura. Like, right now. He has charisma to spare, he is an international superstar and a great in ring performer. He is learning English very well and has that swagger in the squared circle that transcends language. Plus, he is fresh to the brand. Every feud he would have on smackdown would be new, unique and refreshing to the wwe audience. Nakamura could be and should be the savior of the brand because he solves a lot of current problems with depth, to many die hard he is a huge name and his styles lends itself to gaining popularity quickly.
If not nakamura to smackdown  (which I don't see in the immediate future) wwe will have to rely on bringing back older stars that are already established. Rumors are always circulating about Kurt angle and bill goldberg which would be a band-aid on the problem but does not benefit the brand long term. Now, if they use the older "legends" as a feature act while they build middle guys to become stars then that is a different story but history shows that doesn't happen  consistently. Smackdown is a work in progress. Hopefully they recognize the issues of top tier talent,  especially on the face side, and remedy the problem. The shows so far have been pretty good but if they want two "a shows" they need to start building likeable stars to become top baby faces otherwise a lot of these shows will revolve around the same stuff week in and week out and really expose a weak roster. I don't have an issue with Apollo crews or even zack Ryder being considered relevant faces but wwe will have to build them to that point. Nakamura is the key, in my opinion, but success will happen over time; which could prove to be smackdown live's toughest opponent. 

That is just this marks remarks and if you like what I have to say or you would like to tell me what you think please subscribe to this blog, like the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/amarkremarks and follow on twitter @amarkremarks thank you very much and please keep supporting.

A New Era of WWE or How Wrestling Could Change

The WWE's brand split and roster drafts had come and gone, most people accepted it with little fanfare and focused on how the draft had been done before.  It flopped then and it will flop again they said.  Too many titles they said.  Not enough stars they said.  But, something crazy happened on the way to Monday Night Raw this week.  I was in attendance at the show with my best friend and his 13 year old daughter.  She, so politely, asked me what had been going on because she was more caught up with Total Diva's then the recent episodes of Raw and Smackdown.  As I looked her in the eyes I told her a lie, I told her that this will be different then previous weeks because they separated shows and now there is a Raw roster and a Smackdown roster.  I explained what a great time it was to get back into focusing on the shows because it will be all new.  I didn't believe it would be all new, I kind of expected the same Raw formula from every other week just with less guys.  But, something crazy happened on Raw this week...

 Raw was live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the show delivered.  Big time!  WWE used this brand split as a reset point and in one night laid out major plans for the future of the brand, created a new superstar and solidified a division ready to break out.  It was as impactful a Raw as I can remember in a long time.  Raw commissioner Stephanie McMahon and GM Mick Foley announcing that two fatal four way matches would take place to determine the number one contender to the number one contender Seth Rollins to crown the first ever WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion at Summerslam.  The contestants were announced as Jericho, Cesaro, Rusev, Owens, Zayn, Sheamus, Roman Reigns and then Finn Balor and as he was announced he slid his way from the back of the crowd into the forefront of the stage and there was an eruption in the crowd.  A sensation went over the live crowd as if something special was about to take place.  Finn Balor!?! All of a sudden Raw had a feel like something new was happening.  Now Raw was going to be highlighted by Kevin Owens, Sammy Zayn, and Cesaro combined with the seasoning of Chris Jericho (who has never been better), Rusev and Sheamus.  But, Roman Reigns would clearly be the winner when it was all said and done going on to face Seth Rollins, again, at Summerslam.  Ho hum, the more things change the more they stay the same I guess.  Well, an odd thing happened on the way to the end of Raw this week; wwe did it all correct.  Finn Balor won an excellent four way to earn a spot in the nights main event taking on Roman Reigns.  Here it comes, the match where Reigns beats the new guy and takes his sit on the throne of his own empire.  But, that isn't what happened.  Raw ended with Roman Reigns, the heir apparent, getting pinned clean in the middle of the ring.  Pinned.  Clean.  In the middle.  You could hear the collective breath being taken away from the wrestling die hards and casual fans alike as they had just seen a star created in one night.  A star you could get behind, a change that you could get behind. 

Finn Balor won the main event on Raw over Roman Reigns.  This is the biggest move that WWE could have made to make the statement that they are ready for change.  The future is on its way.  Raw featured four very good wrestling matches all of which had championship ramifications and all of which delivered at a high level.  Raw also peppered in some squash matches to emphasize some of its new, and not ready for prime time, performers as well as entertaining interview segments and for the most part was a home run.  It was a very easy to watch and enjoyable three hours.  However, the Finn Balor stuff may have not even been the best action of the night.

Welcome back to women's wrestling!  Sasha Banks and Charlotte put the new crop of young, beautiful and talented women where they belonged in wrestling on Raw.  Banks and Charlotte had an emotionally charged and action packed wrestling match that solidified a division that is ready to take the next step into not being women's wrestling but just being seen as wrestling!  These two girls, who may be stand outs but are hardly the only capable wrestlers in the women's division, worked so hard while putting their bodies on the line for the sake of women's wrestling.  They were not divas or models or wearing their bras and panties; they were high quality professional wrestlers telling a story in the ring that created a roller coaster of emotion for the WWE universe.  Make no mistake, this was hot shotting a title change to create buzz for Raw's new era, but was the perfect type of hot shot because everything was made better for it.  A ton of eyeballs saw Raw give the deserved time to two women who busted their butts to put on an amazingly entertaining match.  Would the title change have meant more at Summerslam?  Maybe.  But having the women's title change hands like this on Raw may have meant more for the credibility of how WWE sees it's women performers and just how good those performers are. Sasha Banks delivered an emotional promo holding the title after the match and there was no question how much that moment meant to her.

Something awesome happened during Raw last monday.  As I stated I went with one of my best friends and his daughter.  While my friend used to be a die hard he really isn't anymore, his daughter likes wrestling but it is clearly not her life let alone one of her favorite hobbies; but she likes it.  Neither really knew who Finn Balor was, they were only slightly more familiar with Enzo and Big Cass and she is a bigger Total Diva's fan then of a divas revolution.  However, by the end of the show she gladly shouted "new...day rocks", "How you doin'?", she went bananas when Sasha Banks won the title clearly stating she was the boss and by the end of the night this 13 year old girl casual fan knew exactly when to throw her arms in the air like Finn Balor and the rest of the die hard wrestling fans.  She couldn't wait for the next show she could attend as she tried to convince her dad to take her to Summerslam in New York.
The new talent is being showcased on weekly television, there is still a large crop of talent in NXT ready to be added to the main roster (both male and female), most importantly the casual fans and young fans can and will get behind them.  Perhaps WWE is right this is the dawning of a new era; one that satisfies the whole WWE universe.  An era where they have the performers to showcase and the talent all fans can support.  If WWE keeps offering product like this then it will be a great time to be a wrestling fan, but that's just this marks remarks.
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Hogan's Beach Shop / Shrine to the most important wrestler of all time

 I was lucky enough to take two weeks and go on vacation to Florida with family.  So far my wife and I have gone to universal studios, laid by the pool, took in some sights and have eaten well; however, there is no such thing for this mark as a "wrestling free vacation".  I drove over the cosways, past the beautiful landscapes and beach fronts to a dream destination for any true fan of nostalgia and pro wrestling directly to an oversized statue of the immortal Hulk Hogan!  We made our way to Hogan's Beach Shop in Clearwater, Florida and walked into a real life shrine to all that is, was and will be Hulk Hogan. 

Walking in I heard the voice of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura which pushed my focus to two big screen televisions toward the back of the store playing Wrestlemania III in its entirety.  Before I could give my full attention to Billy Jack Haynes taking on Hercules Hernandez I was engulfed by Hogan memorabilia and history.  Like any beach shop there were a myriad of tee shirts to purchase all in some way related to the hulkster, as a wrestler or beach shop owner, and there were multiple options from Hollywood Hogan to the red and yellow Hulkamania and finally red, white and blue American made Hulk Hogan.  Along the back wall hung every replica belt you could imagine, most signed by hogan himself, as well as a specially made all gold one of a kind title belt made specially for the hulk himself.  There were dvds of "no holds barred" and "suburban commando", weight lifting belts from all eras of Hogan, and a slue of bandanas all to purchase; but the neatest part of the shop was all of the nostalgic wrestling artifacts that surround the store. 

Inside frames were ripped shirts and red knee pads, Hollywood long trunks complete with airbrushed hogan face and even the yellow trunks themselves.  There were autographed personal photos from japan and during Hulk's first huge run in the 80's.  Posters of Wrestlemania 2 and 3 as well a small amount of Andre The Giant stuff all for sale.  Hulk wasn't there at the time but after talking to a very friendly employee he does come in about once a week and is very interactive with the shoppers, Hogan's Beach Shop also donates portions of sales to local and national charities and had just finished a campaign of raising money to help donate prosthetic legs to those in need. 

The absolute coolest thing about Hogan's Beach Shop for this crazy fan was how the worker there, who was very willing to talk about wrestling and the hulkster, was telling me Hogan had just brought in the actual and authentic wwf world heavyweight title used during Hulk's first run as champion, the title that was retired after Wrestlemania 3 when Hogan slammed Andre.  The idea was that Hogan had given it to the Beach Shop to have on display as a specialty feature piece for the shop and the gentleman that ran the place was going to find a frame and place to display it, so unfortunately I was not able to see the belt hanging up.  However, to any wrestling fan of the 1980's or any era the significance of that title, that title run and the culmination of Hogan versus Andre is a huge deal and a major part of wrestling history.  To know that belt will be on display at some point is awesome and really makes Hogan's Beach Shop almost a museum of when professional wrestling changed forever with the cementing of WWF's success and the end of the territory days for good.  Of course, I purchased a number of wrestling and beach shop tee shirts, including a hulkamania sweat shirt, hogan beach shop t and an original nWo tee shirt (because when you are nWo, you are nWo for life) my wife even purchased a hogan against breast cancer shirt and we began to check out.  Proud of myself for not trying to buy everything in the store, including autographed action figures, we only spent about $100.  The very friendly shop worker was very appreciative that we spent $100 next thing I know I am being handed the WWF world heavyweight championship from 1984 to 1987 that Hogan won from the Iron Sheik and last defended against Andre at Wrestlemania 3.  This was the real deal authentic title and I was holding it, he asked that I don't unfold the leather belt but excitedly suggested I take photos with the title. 

I was standing in an almost empty shrine built to memorialize the most important wrestler possibly in history holding a piece of wrestling history that may be more important than any other title in wrestling existence.  Trying my absolute best to not flip out like a kid in a candy store multiplied by a million and I calmly took some photos with the title over my shoulder and around my waist.  In 1987 in front of 93,000 fans filling the Pontiac Silverdome Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant, dropped the big leg and pinned the man who had been undefeated for 15 years.  Hogan celebrated with the sea of Hulkamaniacs and held up his championship belt to signify victory in the biggest wwf wrestling match in history.  That title belt was then "retired" and the "eagle championship" was unveiled. 
Twenty-seven and a half years later that same title belt lay upon my shoulder and then held around my waist.  Very few people can make that statement and I happened to be in the right place at the right time to be able to do it.  The championship belt will now be displayed like an icon of professional wrestling at Hogan's Beach Shop and can be purchased for the retail price of $100,00.00, but for one night I was the WWF world heavyweight champion, at least in my mind and on my cell phone camera. 
Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania may very well be the most important wrestler and wrestling phenomenon in the history of sports entertainment.  With the backing of Vince McMahon and the WWF Hulk Hogan paved the way and became a hero to youngsters all over the world; he then turned his back on the wrestling fan base and recreated himself as Hollywood Hogan and sparked a wrestling war that revolutionized the business yet again.  He then returned to his roots of wwe and challenged The Rock at Wrestlemania 18 and delivered a wrestling experience like no other that brought every wrestling fan back to their nostalgic roots and reignited hulkamania and lead to a final championship run.  Now he acts as an ambassador for sports entertainment and reminds everyone with his trademark mustache, red and yellow and his echo of "brother's", "jack's" and "whatcha' gonna do" why they fell in love with an era of wrestling and a real superhero that everyone believed in and was the first mainstream wrestler to transcend the business into pop culture.  Hulkamania is still running wild and it will forever, brother! That is just this marks remarks.
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hell in a cell highs and lows / where do we go next

 Hell in a cell, which most people expected to be lack luster, was a really good show all around. Nothing on the show was really poor, including the women's matches, and the good at times was really good. As a secondary pay-per-view this show offered some closure, build to the future and an ending that creates intrigue.  I'm going to focus on the three major things that happened, in my opinion, last night that hopefully wwe can build on.
 1. It seemed like last night wwe made the decision to finally give dolph ziggler some credibility! Ziggler defeating Cesaro in 2 straight falls last night was Dolph getting the push ad a bonafide champion and added legitimacy to the intercontinental championship. Not to mention, Dolph ziggler was in an excellent wrestling match against an excellent wrestler where ziggler played the role of vulnerable babyface who wouldn't give up instead of generic hip girator who is lost in the mix. Ziggler can separate himself from the crowd if he utilizes his ability while also becoming the face that is minutes away from death but refuses to lose and give up until the crowd is so behind him that they make him dig down deep and overcome the adversity and pull out victories. This is a time tested formula and ziggler has what it takes to make it work. Hopefully last night was a sign that wwe finally has the confidence to let ziggler live up to his potential.

2. The future is now for Seth Rollins and dean ambrose, from a performance stand point. These two guys are main event ready and they answered the call last night and then some. Rollins and ambrose pull out all the stops at hell in a cell and put on a performance that was at the main event level. I still believe these two guys should be protected a little bit more before they are hoisted to the top tier but Rollins and ambrose has what it takes to be the next major players in the wwe and I believe the fan base can believe them in those roles. Aside from USA, ambrose had the loudest cheers of the night and Seth Rollins had the second most heel heat. The two very capable grapplers walked into hell in a cell with a few question marks mainly being could they carry a show and I believe after all the broken tables chair shots, brawling and psychology the former members of the shield walked out of hell in a cell main eventers.

 3. He's here. Bray Wyatt returned at the ending of the main event of hell in a cell. He had an attention grabbing entrance that created an aura that something important is happening, he had a response that said someone important is returning and he had a "feel" that said the monster heel is here. With all the gimmicks and plunder that was in the ring and after all deal ambrose had gone through it was bray Wyatt's finisher, sister abagail, that put dean ambrose down.

There were slight sounds of people singing "he's got the whole world in his hands" but for the most part it was loud negative boos the type that a top heel should get. The atmosphere at the end of the show was not is he a heel or is he a face, it was not let's get behind this guy because he is cool; the setting was that the most dangerous and unknown heel made his triumphant return and his sights are set on dean ambrose.
No matter the direction of the current feuds or what rivalries begin there will be no more interesting or entertaining than bray Wyatt versus dean ambrose. The promos alone will be electric. The groundwork for the landscape of wwe's future is being laid and hopefully bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, dean ambrose and Dolph ziggler are major parts of that future.

 Finally, the rusev versus USA battle that is taking place has some serious legs. The crowd is invested and rusev and Lana are holding up their end of the bargain. However, for this battle to truly reach its appex there is only one man that should finally be able to stop rusev and defend the honor of america. If the only Olympic gold medalist in professional wrestling was able to return to the wwe lower the straps and defend our country against the ravishing Russian and the Bulgarian brute the crowd would go bananas and these storyline would be as hot as anything wwe can produce right now! Wwe should be doing their best to make it happen; it's true, it's damn true.

That is just this marks remarks and if you like what I have to say or you would like to tell me what you think please subscribe to this blog, like the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/amarkremarks and follow on twitter @amarkremarks thank you very much and please keep supporting.

Road to Hell in a Cell / What should happen on Raw

 Hell in a Cell is two weeks away and the card for the show is taking shape.  The card features at least two Hell in a Cell cage matches, which is always an attraction, plus matches that will continue to build storylines as wwe heads toward the end of the year.  The Hell in a Cell pay per view is one of many "big shows" that is headlined by a gimmick match before the participants or purpose is known, which leads to many issues with the current product, but the gimmick match in this particular show usually produces some really good matches.  However, the idea of Hell in a Cell the match was created to lead to a finality to a strong rivalry; the first version being The Undertaker versus Shawn Michaels with the debut of Kane many many years ago.  WWE has produced a laundry list of memorable moments inside (and outside) the cell including Mankind being throw off and through the cell, Mick Foley's first attempt of retirement at the hands of Triple H, The bloody war between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar and so many more. 

Hell in a Cell was created so that the simply saying the words Hell in a Cell made the crowd go crazy and the expectation of the match rose higher, now; wwe has a pay-per-view designated to always having that "special" match.  The result of this show is that the cell is no longer "special" at all.  The match was determined before the participants are which makes Hell in a Cell just another match, further emphasizing this point is the second bout held in the cell being John Cena versus Randy Orton.  Sure, Orton and Cena have a long storied history with each other but this match was made last week on Raw on the premise that whomever doesn't get to wrestle Seth Rollins challenges Randy Orton; so there is no score to settle or grudge to finish, just a match that was made to be contended inside the confines of Hell in a Cell.  So what is more important, the match or the feud? 

I would suggest the obvious answer should be the grudge.  The rivalry should be so heated that the only way to settle differences is by locking the hated combatants inside satan's playground; a bitter feud needs Hell in a Cell, it shouldn't be that Hell in a Cell needs participants.  That is why gimmicky pay-per-views, except Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank, should be eliminated.  This would make stipulation matches seem much more important and mean something to a storyline, instead of crow-baring  a special match into a storyline whether needed or not.  So how can Hell in a Cell be made important?

 First, do something to make Seth Rollins versus Dean Ambrose in a cell must see.  Dean Ambrose is a loose cannon not a cartoon character; he must be treated as such to make him reach his potential.  Not pushing a hot dog cart or magically appearing at ringside but Dean Ambrose needs to be the lunatic fringe that Seth Rollins fears being locked into a cell with.  Seth Rollins doesn't have to get beat up or embarrassed or have gak poured over his head; he needs to be the chicken-shit heel that he can be and get chased down by the brash psychotic Ambrose so that you, the fan, can't wait for Ambrose to finally get his hands on Rollins.  This feud which was very hot for awhile fizzled slightly with Ambrose taking time off and Cena being inserted into it but I believe can be re-energized quickly.  The only question is can a Dean Ambrose versus Seth Rollins headline a wwe pay-per-view?
Secondly, how can you inject some excitement into another John Cena versus Randy Orton match that was really thrown together hap-haphazardly? 

I would include the return of Bray Wyatt into this match where Wyatt and his family produces a vignette that says he will be at Hell in a Cell, he will be in the cell and he will bring down the status quo.  Three weeks of Wyatt taped promos has brought the Wyatt Family back to relevance and hopefully wwe won't allow him to falter again.  Best way to catapult Bray Wyatt to the top?  Insert him into the conclusion of John Cena and Randy and have him leave both men laying.  This will create intrigue as to who he wants to take on and allows Bray Wyatt to be what he is best at: chaotic.  There are less than subtle hints that Randy Orton may be turning baby face and perhaps him taking on Bray Wyatt would be a good first feud and allow Bray Wyatt to cement himself as a legit heel, which based on the video packages is where he is headed.  I believe Bray Wyatt is something special and John Cena or Randy Orton would not be hurt being used as his return to the wwe universe.

 Thirdly, make the secondary matches mean something.  This is the first major show where Brock Lesnar is not defending his wwe world heavyweight championship but there will be titles defended.  Why not make Dolph Ziggler versus Cesaro be important?  Why not hype the idea that the intercontinental title is a major title and two incredibly gifted athletes will belt for the championship?  Ziggler and Cesaro give this card the ability to have an excellent high caliber match that should have people on the edge of their seats from a wrestling perspective, which would be different from the two main attractions.  The same can be said for the tag team title match they should have. 

What is the negative of promoting a tag match that is almost certain to entertain the fans?  The tag team division is a missed opportunity at such a high level because tag team wrestling, even simple tag team wrestling, is so fun to watch.  It is wrestling by the numbers almost every time but the tag team formula is a proven winner and leads to exciting well paced action that typically is a crowd pleaser.  Throw in the soap opera of the Bella twins, decent female wrestling with

A.J and Paige, Rusev's next battle and this show should be pretty good, but is it important?
The problem with the current landscape of professional wrestling, not just wwe but all of professional wrestling, is that nothing really seems important.  This is a major issue especially with the advent of the wwe network and how reliant wwe's success is on the network.  WWE needs to create subscribers and their strategy is by reminding you of the cost, at no end, or by pushing the app or this or that to create interest; however, the best way to create subscribers or product interest is by producing "must see" programming.  All of the boom times in pro wrestling as started with high quality programming involving larger than life characters creating entertaining, intelligent and enthralling storyline that leads to dramatic, athletic and action packed matches.  The product creates the interest; the product has always created the interest and the interest and fan base builds based on the quality of the product.

 In closing, Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, Raw, Smackdown, Main Event and all wwe brand shows have to start feeling important again.  The fan base should be made to feel that cannot miss the next show or the one after that and no way are they missing a pay-per-view. 

The product should be so good that a wwe fan doesn't need to be reminded that there is a wwe network, or wwe has an app or they need to log on to wwe.com; the product should be so good that the fan base can't wait to log on to the website, should be viewing the app during the live weekly shows and watching the wwe network whenever time allows and for every pay-per-view. 
The price shouldn't make the wwe network a no-brainer, the content should.  And, it does; the network is awesome and is a dream come true for any wrestling fan but it is great because of the content not because of the stupid banter between michael cole, jbl and jerry lawler on a weekly basis.