Now that the curtain has come down on 2006, I want to give out my GBU awards – that’s the Good, Bad, and Ugly, in case anyone doesn’t know. There were many fun and entertaining things that happened last year, and almost as much junk. Many of these are from the latter part of the year, so I’m sure I’ve missed some good ones. These just stuck in my mind. So, in no particular order, here we go.
The Good
Joey Styles finally being appreciated as an announcer under the WWE umbrella. Styles is one of the best announcers in the business bar none, and deserves all of the kudos he might get.
CM Punk. This young gun is as talented a performer as has been seen in awhile, as far as I’m concerned. He is entertaining and is extremely capable of helping out any company he is connected with. I only hope that Vince recognizes that.
Kurt Angle moving over to TNA. At first I thought that was a huge mistake, from both a business and health aspect. But he seems to be doing fine health-wise, and he has already had some super matches since donning their colors. I could do without his temper tantrums each week, but hopefully that will subside. Regardless, he seems to have made a good decision, and what a boost for TNA.
As much as Angle’s move was a good one, so was Jeff Hardy’s decision to come back to the fold and return to WWE. I thought TNA would be a perfect fit for Jeff, but it was not to be. When I heard that he was coming back to WWE I was afraid that he would be lost in the shuffle. Thankfully, at least so far, he is being used properly, and the fans are so behind the freaky-talented Hardy.
Kane and Undertaker together again. OK, so it’s not the biggest thing of the year, but I really enjoy these two working with each other, and even showing a bit of humor. I don’t think it will last long, and it probably shouldn’t, but for the time being, it works.
The tag team of “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels and “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles. In my humble opinion, probably the most entertaining team to watch all year. Because they know each other so well one move always flows into the other. By far, my favorite.
Mick Foley’s match at Wrestlemania against Edge. This just might have been Mick’s defining Wrestlemania moment.
Whether you love him or hate him, there is none better than Triple H. This consummate professional will make anyone look good. Watch any of his matches and just concentrate on him – you will see what I mean. I will never forget when he made an appearance on the first Tough Enough, and told the boys, “We tell a story, but we tell it with our bodies.” I didn’t see that until I really paid attention to him. He is at the top of the mountain.
The WWE picking up referee Marty Elias (not his real last name, but the one that the company has chosen for him). I got to see Marty many times when I would go the independent promotion, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and he would get as many chants and cheers as many of the wrestlers. A good guy, and a deserving pick.
The Bad
The release of Paul Heyman. Wow, what a love-hate relationship between Heyman and McMahon. I happen to think that Paul has one of the best creative minds in the business, and it’s too bad that he never got complete creative control, for he could have done wonders.
I really wish I could have put this next one in the Good category, but no way. ECW should have been a good idea – it should have worked. But if Vince thinks of SmackDown! As the second-rate show, than ECW got put way below that one. Some good talent over there, that are wasted beyond belief.
This one kind of goes along with the waste of ECW. Sabu needs to go back to TNA. He is being disrespected with the way he is being used. This is a super athlete who deserves so much more. Sabu, please, get the hell out while you still can!
Losing two women who could actually wrestle was a crime. With the departure of Trish and then Lita, it seems that Vince got his wish. With very little exception, he has nothing but eye candy now. What happened to women that were sexy and could also work a match?
I have to put Vickie Guerrero here, and not because of any personal feelings I have against her. I just don’t feel that all is kosher in the WWE kingdom. Just why is she there? Is this really something that she wants to do? If so than fine, but I can’t help but think that there is more to it than her just wanting to be in the spotlight. It all just seems so wrong.
What has happened to Vince’s attempt at drug control in the WWE? The Masterpiece gets set down, and comes back looking much smaller. Just how long did it take for him to blow up again? Not too long. I am not so naïve as to think that all drugs will just disappear from professional wrestling, but the reality is that between steroid use and pain killers, way too many have died, and will continue to do so.
The Ugly
Just what was Vince thinking? To even suggest that he would be the father of Stephanie’s baby is just sick. Thank God she rejected that idea. I can only guess what Triple H had to say about that. What BS that was!
Will someone please tell me why The Great Khali is still in the company? Did someone think that if they moved him from one slot to another that he would magically learn how to wrestle? Get him out of there before he hurts someone.
The Miz also needs to go, and now. His looks, his voice, his attitude, nothing is the least bit appealing. I don’t remember if he got hurt and can’t wrestle, or if this is just supposed to be his lot in life. If so, if feel sorry for him. Come on, his wrestling can’t possibly be worse than having to listen to him, can it?
And while I’m on the subject of ugly, please get the Boogeyman off TV! OK, so maybe I just have a weak stomach, I don’t know, but I can’t watch any of his bits because they’re so disgusting. Another one who doesn’t wrestle, so why is he there?
The sick hit that Joey Mercury took in his recent Ladder match – ugh!
I am so glad that Vince has not shown us his ass lately! I’m sure he will again, but it’s been nice to not see another poor soul have to join his Kiss My Ass Club.
I apologize for this being a few days late. I’ve been really sick with bronchitis and was so busy coughing I couldn’t do anything.
Be safe and God Bless,
And a little extra prayer for Konnan,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.
