Meh!  I was bored and decided to do this just for the hell of it.  If there is issues with posting something like this, I'll take it off.  Don't ask me why I thought it up.  (Nor do I know why I'm posting it.  Maybe it's for feed back?  o.O)  I know it's really simplistic, but at the moment I'm a little tired and did the iron cross from memory.  I'll have to look for the actual one later.  x.x  I might go back some other time to fix it to it's proper colors and design.

That's it for me.

-Reno

The Hall of Fame this year is indeed one to remember.  Unfortunately, due to USA Network's restrictions the ceremonies were cut down.  However, from what I have witnessed it was one of the most emotional HoF's yet.  What the future may hold is yet to be written in stone.

The induction of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat was very emotional from watching him.  It's amazing how one man can be so influential to his peers, his friends and all of those who grew up watching him.  I could only wish I could've seen his matches during the days he was still on his reign.  Granted I still can thanks to 24/7.  Must purchase it in the near future.  Regardless, the man is one of the many pioneers of the business.  Very flashy too with the fire blowing.  Someday, I'll have the opportunity to see his son and Ric's son square off when the time comes.  All I can say is, thank you.  Though I thought it was awesome seeing him square off with his old rival for the last time just for fun.  I can only wish you luck at Wrestlemania.

Stone Cold Steve Austin.  It's a long time coming, but he finally got his spot.  Sometimes, notes aren't enough to express what you truly feel when a night like this comes about.  Regardless, if there is one thing I can say as a fan, it would be about the "One More Match" chants.  Despite all the injuries, the sacrifices, the demons so to speak, and the issues personally, emotionally, physically, if a performer comes out after being away from the business, and the fans chant "One more match" to you (Especially twice in a year) it means you did something right throughout the hardships.  The fans never lie, watching Austin throughout his career was very amazing.  Especially his feuds with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.  Their matches brought the house down each time they squared off.  The fans loved watching them go at it.  No matter how many times one could relive, or watch, their matches still are as the Rock would say: "The Most Electrifying" matches in history.  Steve did something right.  As did The Rock.  Not very many performers get that chant.  I think The Rock and Stone Cold are the only two thus far, who had recieved the chant.  It is unfortunate he may not be able to perform in the squared circle anymore, however, I am certain that his performance on the silver screen would be something to keep me on the edge of my seat.  Hulk Hogan was big in the 80s, (Still is) but Austin, I think he surpasses Hogan.  He represents those who struggle each day just to get through.  I know he was big inspiration in my life.  Never give up, give the finger to those who tell you "Your not getting anywhere, your not marketable, etc. etc." 

I can't speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself.  All I can say is: Thank you Steve.  Thank you for the memories, thank you for the performances you gave each night when you laced up the boots and walked on stage to raise hell.  I raise my drink to you.  Have a cold one on me.  =P

As for the rest of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, I'll have to get the DVD when it comes out to see it.  I know the Fink was pretty emotional.  He had seen the business grow from the First Wrestlemania to now.  He is the voice of WWE.

Once I watch the rest of the HoF on DVD I'll have more to say about all the inductees, unfortunately, this is all I have for right now.  x.x  As the old saying goes: "Always leave them hangin."  I look forward to seeing the future Hall of Fames as they come.  2009 was a very special treat.  Congratulations to all of the inductees.  Good luck to your future endeavors.

-Reno

It's no secret that the Hall of Fame this year's going to be Big.  After all, Texas will have the limelight since a good chunk of the inductees are Lonestar Legends.  Funks, Austin, Von Erichs, quite the accomplishment for those guys.  Many of the fans will say this about Austin: "It was only a matter of time."  Which is true.  Austin has done quite a lot during his run with the WWE.  Connecting with the audience, representing the blue collar community and being who he always was deep in his heart.  A hell raisin, beer drinkin, foul mouthed, rebellious hero of the communities all over the world.  What a ride it has been.  My hat comes off to him on this one.  I wonder if he's tried Guiness yet?  >_>;  Most people don't like guiness, but thats another story.

Speaking of the King of Stunners, I just recently purchased the new Legends of Wrestlemania game for my X-Box 360.  I must say, it's quite the treat.  Unlike the SVR series (Which originally started out as just the SD! series until HCtP) the control system is far different compared to the ultimate grapple system.  It is complex at first, but the more you play it, the easier it gets.  The Random Grapple system is quite a treat in itself.  Insted of just hitting a button and watching a character drop another with a Suplex, there's a series of holds used to lead up to the suplex.  Hammerlock, Headlock, Armwrench to a Suplex.  Something like that.  But regardless it gives you more of an actual wrestling match feeling than just "Push up on the analog and he does a suplex".  If that makes any sense.  Unfortunately, the Wrestlemania's are 1-15.  Which were the biggest ones.  XV being the first ever Austin Rock Wrestlemania.  Which can be relived by playing through it.  ^_^

The roster is quite broad as well.  To my surprise, Double A Arn Anderson was tossed into the equation with the "Naitch".  Does that imply perhaps that The Enforcer of the 4 Horsemen is to be inducted sometime in the near future?  And what of the Road Warriors?  Perhaps they may have their opportunity in the future as well?  As for The Undertaker, who knows?  After all, he is one of the most successful performers alive today.  Despite everything he went through, he still goes back for more.  Although, I'm going off topic here.  The main thing is, Legends of Wrestlemania is a must buy.  If you missed out on all of those matches, you can relive them like you were actually there. 

Still on the subject of Stone Cold and Legends of Wrestlemania, for those that have seen him in this game, you may notice that his model has no knee braces.  Indeed, those were a trademark of his throughout his career, however, when he first started, he didn't have them.  It wasn't until sometime around when WM XV came about that he started to wear them.  At that time, it was just one on his left leg.  Now he has two.  Obviously, the business can be gruelling to your knees if your not careful.  Then again, the mat is like concrete when taking bumps.

Although Steve Austin isn't the only one for the success he acquired.  The classic Boss vs Employee Feud he had with McMahon built him as well.  Plus, his matches with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson were the most "Electirfying" during their run together.  The Rock in my opinion was a hell of an athlete, and a true showman.  Every time he took a Stunner, he would flop his body all over the ring like he just got his carcus kicked back to 3rd Grade.  Quite a feat.  Very few performers actually do that.  Though, I would definitely be one of the guys that would exaggerate the bumps I take just to get the crowds motivated.  Then again, that's just me.  I'm no Wrestler.  I doubt I would survive three minutes.  XD

As far as everything else goes, the main focus for me is to get my life situated.  At the moment, I continue to work in a family business to keep my bills paid, take care of my loans, and hopefully prepare for the future.  Although the family business is not a "Multi-Million Dollar Corporation" it is one of many venues controlled by one corproation.  It's a place where many would get the good stuff for their automotive, marine and other motorized products.  Though Personally, I'm not too kean about our driver handling a Toyota.  Then again, I stopped watching NASCAR altoghether when the Restrictor Plates were installed and other big changes were made.  It's not about the Engine anymore.  As for competition, well, it could be better.  But I won't go into detail about that.

That's about it for me.  Feel free to drop a line if anyone wishes.

-Reno

I'm not entirely sure if I speak for a lot of people upon making this statement (or in the words of "The Enforcer" Double A Arn Anderson, "I don't want to toot my own horn here, but. . .  TOOT!  TOOT!")  however I do miss the days when the monday night wars were going on.  It gave me an opportunity to see what else was out there, other than WWE, which up until 1996, was the most dominant brand in Sports Entertainment.  Was fortunate enough to bare witness the biggest rivalry there was between Ted Turner, and Vince McMahon.  (Much like all other fans during that time period.)  Yet, at the peak of their glory, WCW slowly began to lose their fanbase little by little, due to flaws and problems within their structured system.  There were a few rising stars in that era that became the greatest of all time.  A lot of backstabbing, a lot of betrayl, emotion and hard work was sacrificed between WCW and WWE between 1996-1999/2000.  It brought out not only the best efforts to every man working in both sides, but it also introduced a new era in Sports Entertainment.  The Attitude Era, as WWE would put it.

For 83 straight weeks, WCW took full control of the ratings board.  Starting with going Live in Minneapolis, MN while the fans were watching the Wimbeldon Games, Eric Bischoff, took a large step with drawing the audience attention to TNT on Monday Night.  By that time, Hulk Hogan had already signed a contract with Ted Turner to be apart of the WCW.  At the time, unfortunately, I was a Hulk Hogan fan.  So not only did WWE start to fall into the Number two spot, but they also were losing their fanbase with signing of superstars whom worked with WWE at that time.  Hogan, was the first of many.  WCW was something I have never seen before at that time.  I was unfamiliar with their product due to having Satellite TV and WTBS was a local station until later.  Indeed, Cable TV was building a worldwide network span during the 1980s, however there were few and far between at that time.  By the 90s, Cable TV was coast to coast, border to border.  If it wasn't Cable, it was Dish which provided the same result as cable TV, only the old Space Satellites had issues with interference due to wind, snow and rain.  However, WCWs product seemed to be cutting edge at that time during the beginning.  Yet, there were some things that brought WCW to its decline.

First was the nWo formed by Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hulk Hogan.  At first, it was very unique and seemed to be very exciting.  Heroes like Sting, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, DDP would be wrestling each other until the nWo came in and attacked all that stood in their way.  It worked out pretty well at first, but it also became the "Overplayed" Card that was in Bischoff's deck.  To me, the nWo was more of the double edged sword of WCW.  On one hand, between 1996-97, the faction boosted ratings and made WCW the more cutting edge product with the wrestlers adding more of their own persona's to them.  Showing their true colors as to what they were about so to speak.  It was pretty good with just the three men.  However, later on during the decline between 1998-99, the nWo overpopulated the WCW roster.  There sub-factions within the new World order to compensate for the numbers.  sub-factions like nWo Black (originals as they were), nWo Japan, nWo Hollywood, nWo Elite, nWo B-Team, nWo 2000, and nWo Wolfpac.  Despite the fact that they were brought forth over the four year run, the nWo's methods and tactics became too repetitive in my eyes.  Hogan would defend the World Heavyweight Championship against someone like Sting or Flair, the nWo would intervene and kick the snot out of the opponents to seal the deal with Hogan's victory.  That was the same with all the members who had matches booked.  The Four Horsemen during that time period were hardly seen winning a single match against the nWo.  Later on, there was a faction known as the "New Bloods" which was apparently short lived since WCW was later bought out by WWE.  However, the concept with the New Bloods was the same thing as the nWo.  The nWo had been popular, yes, but they were also too repetitive with their methods.  This was one of the reasons that caused me to stop watching altogether.  There was nothing new and innovative for the WCW when it came to this playing card.

Despite this, the nWo was influential to others that followed, yet the other problem to the factor was Hulk Hogan.  Indeed, when he signed the contract with WCW in 1996, his fanbase followed him there.  However, he was the World Heavyweight Champion way too long and far too much.  The heel turn did offer some benefits, but it was the same thing.  Hogan would have the title on the line, win it, due to his momentum build with the crowd or if he had help from someone.   Within the four years that WCW was running between 1996-99, Hulk Hogan held the World Heavyweight Championship 8 Times.  At first, I have to admit, it was great to see the Irresistable Force win the Championship against Ric Flair in 1996, however later on, again, it got too repetitive.  Mind you, Ric Flair held the same Championship 16 times, but this is where the difference comes in.  Ric Flair held the championship for a certain period of time, then give it a rest for a few years or before going after it again.  Usually someone else would get it from him within a span of two to six months perhaps.  But the other thing is, Flair was charismatic and truer to his character than Hogan was.  It felt like Hogan would refuse to give it up no matter how many times you saw him with it or how many opponents would get beat up for it.  Mind you, there were others that took control of the championship during the 8 time winning streak he had, but the factor still remained.  Unfortunately for Mr. Flair, when Hogan joined the WCW, I didn't think Flair had much of a choice.  x.x  That's just my opinion.

At the moment these are the only two factors that I could recall about WCW and caused it's decline.  To be honest, the lesson that was learned with this is that one can only take so much of a product presented to the viewers.  Indeed it is great and all that WCW exhisted and I am happy for it, I just wished that they were a little more cautious about their card hands.  DX would be a great example of this.  Dominated WWE during the monday night wars, disbanded shortly after, didn't reunite until recently.  That would be the ideal thing.  "Always leave em hanging for more" as the saying goes.  Perhaps there would be another time when we would see something like the MNW again.  Who knows though?  TNA Wrestling, still has much work to do if this is the case, and well, I'm not entirely sure about the rest of the promotions.  We should see later on down the road though.

Until next time.

-Reno

I hope all had a wonderful holiday season.  I know mine was.  Unfortunately no snow on Christmas Day, but overall, it was wonderful.

I recived many of the gifts I asked for:  A new TV a couple of video games, etc.  Though one of them didn't seem to cooperate with my 360.  SvR 09 to be exact.  The copy was a used one and usually, those kind are fifty fifty depending on how well the previous owners treated them.  Although, I did get a newer copy and finally was able to play it.  The interface is much different than what I'm used to.

The main thing was the change in the camera system.  I'm used to the overhead birds eye from an angle personally, but it takes some time to getting used to.  Some of the newer matches are pretty neat too.  The inferno match was a bit surprising to say the least.  I didn't expect an inferno match to be put in.  (Then again, I hardly watch TV anymore due to my schedule.)

I am happy to say that the new Create-A-Finisher is very cool.  I'm still figuring out a few things about it and doing some research to find out if there are additional set ups for the moves that can be added via online or unlocked in game.  I may take the time later on to fiddle with it some more.  I already made a few finishers.  (Two of them may be fairly familiar.)

The first one is entitled: PDC (Power Diamond Cutter).  In case many are uncertain as to what that is, it's a signature finisher that Diamond Dallas Page used one time on WCW Saturday night during the start of his career.  The unfortunate victim was the late and great Eddie Guerrero.  It's not difficult to miss really.  I saw someone make it on youtube once and saw how close it was.  Spare a couple of things.  The first part was the knee to the gut, followed by the head between the legs and the pose for the cutter.  But everyone has their own versions of the finisher.  I have to admit though, its fairly devistating when executed.

The other is the Jackhammer.  (Minus the pin part.)  Easy to do, easy to use.  Again, theres a lot of fiddling to do with the CAF.  The interface is very nicely pieced together.

Road to Wrestlemania is quite interesting as well.  Despite only allowed a few key superstars to pick from, overall, its quite exilirating to say the least.  RtWM has much to go for in my opinion.  To me though, it's still the original story mode from the previous SvR games with a hint of DoR in it for bonuses to be unlocked.

Unfortunately, I do not have internet service set with my 360 as of yet.  I have to get an antenna for my 360 to experience the online game play.  Although, I doubt I would last long in a match against another player.  Theres always someone who is better I think.  Although I do know that in the near future I may just get into that part of the experience.  Might be able to get away with much more down the road as well.

As for the rest of christmas, it was exciting.  Fallout 3 is as I anticipated.  The wait was well worth it as well.  New system, new engine, a good ol' fasioned overhaul to the same world.  My 22" flat screen is really nice too.  I can actually see things on the tv now since the colors aren't very bright or dark. 

Hopefully, down the road, I'll be able to check out The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke in the near future.  It looks very interesting and it's rare that a move catches my attention anymore.  I feel that Hollywood has lost it's edge quite a bit with original ideas.  But this film might be (as what good ol' JR would say) a "Slobber Knocker" movie.  It has many of the elements that are rarely seen in films nowadays.

That's about it for now.  Perhaps down the road I shall post more.  I wish all a happy new year and enjoy life as it is now.

-Reno