I was cleaning out my wallet and found an old scrap of paper that’s been there at least fifteen years. It’s something I wrote down long ago after seeing in a documentary that James Dean carried around a similar note in his wallet oh so many years ago… it says:
“The Complete Man – These Are His Needs: The need for love and security. The need for creative expression. The need for recognition and self-esteem.”
I think that pretty much says it all… Words worth taking note of… Truth!
Wrestling One on One
Smackdown Live versus The WWF
2017 versus 1985
August 13, 2017
DougMaynard.com
Something that every wrestling fan has wondered from time to time is how Wrestler X from the past would do in a match against Wrestler Z from today’s era. We all have our favorites from when we were younger, just beginning to love the world’s greatest sport and we have our favorites now, in the current WWE dominated world of sports-entertainment and just what if the two could meet? Well, I wonder that sometimes myself and I’m going to sit down and try to figure out those questions. What I’m doing is called “One On One” and it’s a leftover from the days I wrote professional wrestling’s most eclectic column since 2002, “Tossing Salt – Worldwide News!”. I would take a wrestler from my youth, like the Anderson Brothers or Ernie Ladd and match them up against wrestlers from today, such as John Cena or AJ Styles, and try to imagine, with both in their primes, who would win in a one-on-one match-up. It was a popular piece of the column and fun to do. And now, I’m just bringing it to the next level. Let’s use the “official ratings” of two wrestling magazines to determine the competitors. There will be twenty-two matches in total. I did half of them in my previous post, with the stars of RAW versus the stars of the NWA, circa 1985. And now for this post, it’ll be the stars of the WWF, also as determined by Wrestling Superstars, the Spring 1985 edition, versus the stars of Smackdown Live, per the Pro Wrestling Illustrated October, 2017 edition. Are you ready? Let’s do this.
Wrestling One On One – Part II
Smackdown Live versus The WWF
Jinder Mahal (WWE Champion) versus Hulk Hogan (WWF Champion)
Jinder has really gotten better as time has gone on as the WWE Champion. He gets better each and every week and is growing into the title. I really do hope that he makes it past SummerSlam next week and keeps the title. But in this match, let’s get real. He’s facing Hulk Hogan and in 1985, Hogan did not lose… period. He would take a beating, sell like crazy for a while and then, it’s time to shake, Hulk up, point the finger, a punch or two and then boot and leg drop. I don’t think a match with Jinder would change that. Hogan with the win.
Winner: Hulk Hogan
Kevin Owens versus Greg Valentine
This would be one of those matches that no one would expect to do much, but would end up stealing the show. Greg is slow and methodical in every single move and action and Kevin is the same way in many ways. It would be a clinic of heel wrestling 101 and half of the fans, with the limited attention spans would shout “boring”, while the rest would be in awe of the story-telling and magic taking place. And at the end of the night, both men would get a standing ovation… or booed out of the arena. It could truly go either way, but since I can’t see Valentine taking a pop-up power bomb for anyone, I think the end results would be Kevin being forced to tap to the figure-four instead.
Winner: Greg Valentine
Shinsuke Nakamura versus Big John Studd
Shinsuke is so skilled and quick in that ring with his hit and run style. Studd was just big and the immovable object that would have to be chopped down bit by bit and that would be only if he let it happen. Much respect for Shinsuke becasue he is so damn good, but the size and power and just the mean streak of Studd would, I think, be too much in the end.
Winner: John Studd
Randy Orton versus Roddy Piper
With both men in their primes, this would have been a match to see. Randy is definitely the superior physical athlete, but Piper was as much mental as physical and all of the muscles in the world don’t matter when you get poked in the eyes, hit with a chair or nut-shotted. Randy is far more methodical and would physically dominate the match from a wrestling stand-point. Roddy could wrestle pretty well too, but he was more of a brawler and play it by ear type of guy. At this point in his career, the 2017 Randy has seen it all and done it all and I think he would pretty much be able to look past any of Piper’s mind games and keep control most of the match. Orton would also end up with the win.
Winner: Randy Orton
AJ Styles versus Tito Santana
Tito is a good wrestler, but let’s be honest here. Tito was mid-card at best and AJ is arguably the best wrestler in the world today. AJ wins easily.
Winner: AJ Styles
Dolph Ziggler versus Sgt. Slaughter
I’ve never been a big fan of Sgt. Slaughter after his days in the Mid-Atlantic region. For his WWF run in the mid-80’s and his AWA time as well, it seemed as if he was just phoning it in and going through the motions. Still an okay performer, but compared to the years with Crockett, something was missing. Dolph is doing that now, it seems. He has great matches, but no one cares and that seems to include Dolph. He’s just going through the motions waiting for his contract to expire. So this match-up, even though it would probably be an okay match, just doesn’t interest me at all. Dolph flies and wrestles with a mixture of everything. Sarge brawls and punches, trying to get that Cobra Clutch locked in. Tough call, but I think Dolph would end up with the win.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Sami Zayn versus Junkyard Dog
Sami versus JYD? Wow! This match would suck eggs. Nothing against Sami, who is really good in that ring and is a top notch performer, JYD was terrible in that ring, He had charisma out the ass and could talk and draw fans. I’m not disputing that, but once he stepped into that ring, unless he had someone who could carry him, JYD’s matches were awful. Zayn, at least in his current character, works best as the baby-face in peril. And Dog working as the heel just wouldn’t work either because without the baby-face charisma thing, he has nothing going for him. Even Harley Race couldn’t get a good match out of the Dog and Sami Zayn is not Harley Race by any means. Zayn would win and the match would suck. Let’s don’t talk about it again.
Winner: Sami Zayn
Tye Dillinger versus Kamala
What has happened to Tye since coming up to the main roster? This would be another big contrast in styles, but Kamala knows how to actually work and make the differences work. It would be fun to see the smaller Tye, trying to wrestle, up against the giant savage monster. Tye would take his shots and give it his best, but in the end, I think it would be the Ugandan Savage going over and getting the win.
Winner: Kamala
Baron Corbin versus Ken Patera
Two pure athletes in competition against each other. This could be an interesting match to see as their styles really aren’t too different. I think Patera, at this point, was just recently out of prison and trying to make a comeback, so he wasn’t quite the Patera I remember from Crockett and had started to slow down a bit. It was all just power moves and strength for Ken by then. Corbin is getting better and better each week and while his character and charisma level need to be tweaked and worked on a bit, in the ring, he’s as tough as they come and getting better. I think Corbin would take this and take it pretty easily actually.
Winner: Baron Corbin
Luke Harper versus Jesse Ventura
Jesse Ventura was a great announcer. But as a wrestler, he was pretty much one dimensional, sticking with the power moves and little else. Luke Harper is power, speed, the occasional flying move and even some great wrestling every now and then. He’s the complete package. Jesse was all about overpowering his opponent and using the strength advantage. With Harper, he wouldn’t have that. Harper wins.
Winner: Luke Harper
Mojo Rawley versus Paul Orndorff
Mojo is big and strong and hyper and full of energy. Orndorff is a wrestling machine who can wrestle, brawl or out-think almost anyone in that ring. Plus Orndorff had the extra bonus of Bobby Heenan at ringside during this time. Mojo would look great for a while and Paul would make him look like a million bucks, but Mojo would end up blowing himself up and running out of gas and Paul would methodically take over, dominate and take home the victory, showing everyone how he earned the name Mr. Wonderful.
Winner: Paul Orndorff
And there you have it with the WWE Smackdown Live Class of 2017 defeating the WWF Class of 1985 six matches to five. So what do you think? Was I correct in how the matches would probably play out or am I just as wrong as the day is long? Thoughts, comments and feedback is welcome and appreciated. Let me know something. And with that, I’m out of here. Thanks for reading. Any fantasy matches you’d like to see? Let me know that too and we’ll give it a shot. Until the next time, take it easy.
Ubuntu!
Wrestling One on One
WWE Raw versus The NWA
2017 versus 1985
August 13, 2017
DougMaynard.com
Something that every wrestling fan has wondered from time to time is how Wrestler X from the past would do in a match against Wrestler Z from today’s era. We all have our favorites from when we were younger, just beginning to love the world’s greatest sport and we have our favorites now, in the current WWE dominated world of sports-entertainment and just what if the two could meet? Well, I wonder that sometimes myself and I’m going to sit down and try to figure out those questions. What I’m doing is called “One On One” and it’s a leftover from the days I wrote professional wrestling’s most eclectic column since 2002, “Tossing Salt – Worldwide News!”. I would take a wrestler from my youth, like the Anderson Brothers or Ernie Ladd and match them up against wrestlers from today, such as John Cena or AJ Styles, and try to imagine, with both in their primes, who would win in a one-on-one match-up. It was a popular piece of the column and fun to do. And now, I’m just bringing it to the next level. Let’s use the “official ratings” of two wrestling magazines to determine the competitors. There will be twenty-two matches in total and as not to be too long, I’ll do half here and half on another post. We’ll do the stars of the NWA, as rated by Wrestling Superstars, the Spring 1985 edition versus the “Top Ten of WWE RAW”, as determined by ProWrestling Illustrated, cover dated October 2017. And for Part II, it’ll be the stars of the WWF, also as determined by Wrestling Superstars, the Spring 1985 edition, versus the stars of Smackdown Live, per the Pro Wrestling Illustrated October, 2017 edition. Are you ready? Let’s do this.
Wrestling One On One – Part I
WWE Raw versus The NWA
Brock Lesnar (Universal Champion) versus Ric Flair (NWA World Champion)
The Beast versus the dirtiest player in the game. I can’t remember if Flair had James J. Dillon in his corner at this point and time in his career or not, but I’m thinking that either J.J. or Baby Doll were there. Brock is a monster and Flair would spend most of his time trying to stay away from Brock, using a hit and run style, hoping for that one mistake and opportunity. Brock is power personified, but people forget that he’s also a great wrestler in his own right, a former NCAA Wrestling Champion and could match Flair move for move. Flair’s only hope would be to wear Brock down and outlast him. Brock is in great shape though and that wouldn’t happen. So unless there’s a DQ or count-out, and for the sake of argument, all of these matches are to be won by pin-fall or submission only, Flair is in for a long night. Flair would last for a while, but in the end, an F-5 by the Beast and the winner is…
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Roman Reigns versus Dusty Rhodes
This would be a match to see. Talk about brawling, blood and kicking ass going both ways. Dusty was always fat, but he could go forever and a day. Roman is in great shape and could go forever as well. A great contrast in styles and the fans would be on their feet, screaming for every move. I would love to say Dusty, but Roman has the size, strength and youth advantage over the “American Dream” and while the match would be epic, the end results are pretty clear to me at least.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Samoa Joe versus Wahoo McDaniel
Here is another one that would be a classic brawl between two of the legit toughest men in professional wrestling history. Joe is a better classical style wrestler, but Wahoo was no slouch either. He just preferred to chop the hell out of folks and make them suffer. Joe is so intense and dangerous in that ring, he reminds me of a MMA fighter more than a wrestler. Wahoo just likes to brawl and beat the holy hell out of people and I think that would be his downfall in the end. Joe can take a beating and it would just take one mistake by Wahoo and the wrestler in Joe would slide in for a pin. It wouldn’t be a match, but more of a fight. And in the end, Joe would come out on top, but just barely.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Seth Rollins versus Kerry Von Erich
Another good match that would be fun to watch. Kerry has the size and strength advantage. Seth has the speed advantage and can take more easily to the air, combining both high flying and ariel moves with his ground game and brawling. I think the deciding factor though would be smarts. Seth is more adaptable and simply put, smarter than Kerry. Stories about Kerry getting lost in a match are numerous and his attention span seemed to be limited. I’m not taking away from the legend that was Kerry Von Erich, but I just don’t see him in Seth’s league for this match. One good “bucket bomb” slam to the corner and a pedigree and Seth gets the win.
Winner: Seth Rollins
The Miz versus Ronnie Garvin
I love the Miz. I think Miz is probably one of the best performers in the WWE today and has earned that spot with his blood, sweat, hard work, etc. He’s awesome. I’m not a big fan of Garvin. I always thought he was kind of boring as a personality and his slow, methodical style did nothing for me. But that being said, Ronnie would decimate Miz and systematically take him apart. It’s be a slaughter and that would not, be awesome in my eyes.
Winner: Ronnie Garvin
Dean Ambrose versus Harley Race
This could be a fun match because, for all of his staleness as a character and repetitive moves, Ambrose can go in that ring when he’s inspired. He’s actually a damn good wrestler. And Harley? It’s Harley Race and that’s all that needs to be said about that. No one is tougher or more dangerous in that ring or outside of it. Harley can have a great match with a broom if he’s inspired to do so. Or he can pretty much destroy anyone he wants at any given time if he’s so inclined. I actually think that their styles would mesh well together and it could be a classic match for the ages. And while Ambrose would look like a billion dollars during the match, Harley would win at the end of the night. After all, he’s Harley Race. ‘Nuff said!
Winner: Harley Race
Neville versus Pez Whatley
Neville is so good and so quick out there in that ring. Pez Whatley was mostly a comedy character, but people forget how athletic he was and that flying dropkick, especially for a man his size. He was a damn good wrestler and could really go in that ring. This would be an interesting match due to the size difference and the huge contrast in styles. It could go either way honestly, but I think I’ll go with Pez on this one. The size difference seems to me would be the advantage that would give him the biggest edge here.
Winner: Pez Whatley
Finn Balor versus Gino Hernandez
The Demon versus The Handsome Half-Breed. Man, what a match this would be. For those not as familiar with Gino, for he died far too early, picture a cross between Tully Blanchard in wrestling style and Chris Adams in build. Ironically enough, Hernandez had his greatest moments of success in tag team partnerships with both Blanchard and Adams. This guy was so good and so smooth in that ring. And Finn Balor. What can we say about him that hasn’t been said. He’s one of my current favorite guys in the WWE right now. He is magic to watch and so damn good in his own right. A match with these two would be a definite contrast in styles with Gino doing the slower methodical moves of hit and run, take a shot and wrestle, while Finn is impact and high-flying, making the most of every moment of contact. It’s so hard to decide who would win here. The styles are so different and both men are so damn good in their own ways. I’ll just flip a coin. Heads, it’s Balor and tails, it’s Gino. Heads. So Balor wins.
Winner: Finn Balor
Bray Wyatt versus Jesse Barr
Jesse Barr was a tough kid who wrestled primarily in Florida and in the North-West. He’s a second generation wrestler who had a brief run in the WWF as “Jesse Jack Funk”, brought in after Terry Funk left the company. He’s also known for pissing off Haku and suffering the consequences during a bar fight. I think he got his eye knocked out of socket if my memory serves me correctly. He’s a good wrestler but nothing special in my eyes. And Bray Wyatt? A third generation superstar, the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan, the son of Mike Rotundo and a former WWE Champion. One of the toughest and most talented men currently in the WWE. I think this one is pretty obvious as to who wins.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Big Show versus Cowboy Ron Bass
Ron Bass passed away a few months ago. RIP Ron. One of the legit tough guys from the 70’s and 80’s, this man could go in that ring. A brawler and tough cowboy character, he was as tough as a $2 steak. A former Mid-Atlantic Champion, as well as Florida Champion, he was also a great tag team wrestler, forming a strong team with partner Black Bart. He was as good as they come for a strong mid-card wrestler. The Big Show is over 7-feet tall and in the best shape of his life. Ron might give him a fight, but one good choke slam and it’s over.
Winner: The Big Show
Apollo Crews versus Kevin Von Erich
I just really don’t get Apollo Crews. He’s a good in-ring performer, but has the charisma and personality of a can of green beans. That’s why I’m glad to see that the WWE decided to link him up with Titus O’Neill and “Titus International”. Titus as a wrestler doesn’t do it for me, but he’s got personality to spare. It’s a good combination. Kevin Von Erich was not the sexy guy his brother Kerry was and didn’t have the charisma that older brother David did, but I think that, pound for pound, he was probably the best wrestler of the whole Von Erich family. He didn’t talk much, but he could get in that ring and have a great match with anyone. That’s something that he and Apollo have in common. He also seems to be the most stable and brightest of the family. After all, he’s still alive. This match would be fun to see. Two similar styles, but their bodies are so different, it could be interesting. Kevin is more solid in the mat wrestling game though and has been through more high profile matches. I think Apollo could give him a good run, but in the end, the Von Erich claw would take Kevin over the finish line first and give him the win.
And there you have it, what I expect would happen if the NWA stars of 1985 squared off against the stars of the WWE Raw Brand of today. WWE wins seven matches to four. I’ll be back later today with Part II where I’ll be matching the stars of Smackdown Live against the of the WWF, circa 1985. That should be fun. Thoughts, comments and all feedback is welcome. Do you think I got it right with my calling of these fantasy matches? Let me know.
And that’s all for now. It’s dinner time. Until the next time. Thanks for reading.
Ubuntu!
Tossing Salt Presents:
Opposing Views
August 13, 2017
DougMaynard.com
Greetings and salutations. For tonight, I’ve already done a Facebook Q&A, a Wrestling Q&A and a Wrestling Fact or Fiction piece. All that’s left in my Q&A folder now are the political ones. Should I go ahead and do these too? Well, since I’ve already written this much, I think the answer to that question is pretty obvious. These questions come from the Facebook page called “Opposing Views”. They’re extremely slanted towards the left, but the questions tend to be pretty good anyhow and I like to read their articles and the comments left by readers. My brain cells often scream in agony at the pure stupidity of some of the comments, but it’s all good. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It’s just that most of those people are wrong. And my opinions and thoughts? Well, I’m right. And I agree that I’m write. Go read my stuff. See if you agree. You will. Let’s do this.
Do you support a homeowner’s right to use a firearm on an intruder?
Absolutely. If an intruder comes into my house uninvited, my feeling is that they are there to harm me or my family. I’m not going to try to ask questions and figure out a motive. Once I feel threatened or think my family is being threatened, that bastard will be shot repeatedly until dead. ‘Nuff said!
Oprah is hunting at a 2020 presidential run. Would she beat Trump?
Oprah is no more qualified to be President than that last clown from Chicago was. Trump would smoke her ass… period!
Rep. Maxine Waters says there’s no doubt Trump is the worst president of her lifetime. Do you feel the same way?
There is no doubt in my mind that Maxine Waters is a stupid idiot and one of the most corrupt and racist persons ever elected to public office. Trump may be an ass-clown on some things, but compared to Obama, Clinton, Carter, Johnson, Kennedy, etc… I’d definitely rather have “the Donald” presiding over things than any of those folks. And he’s a billion times better than what our alternative would have been, Hillary.
Trump says that despite all of the negative media, his base of supporters around America is bigger than ever. Do you support the president?
Donald was not my first choice, but when it came down to either him or Hillary, he was the only real choice. And yes, I proudly stand behind OUR President.
Do you believe AIDS can be cured?
I think that it’s not a death sentence anymore and that there are medications and treatments that will pretty much eliminate all of the symptoms and side-effects of this disease. Can it be cured? Probably, but the pharmacy companies and medical profession can make more money in treatment than actual curing so if there is a true and legitimate cure, we’ll never see it.
From failing to repeal Obamacare to the non-existent border wall, Nancy Pelosi says Trump’s first 200 days in office were filled with nothing but broken promises and failed leadership. Do you agree with her?
But he put a Judge on the Supreme Court, lowered the unemployment rate, lowered illegal immigration, has removed several million people from getting Food Stamps, has set a record GNP for the past quarter and the stock market is doing great. Methinks that Nancy Pelosi is delusional and a total whack-job. And she’s wrong too.
Support for President Trump remains high as ever in 2018 midterm battleground states. Will you be voting Republican in 2018?
I am registered Democrat (surprise) and I don’t generally look at the party, but more the individual and who I feel will be the best in the overall scheme of things. That generally tends to be Republicans, but I’ll have to wait and look at the actual candidates before I make any real decisions.
Ian McCarthy shot and killed Missouri police officer Gary Michael during a traffic stop yesterday.
Yes or no: Should he get the death penalty?
I don’t want to say yes or no until I see all of the evidence of the crime. Every situation is different and I’d have to know all of the circumstances before I can make that call. A blanket judgement of yes or no just won’t work.
A Maryland town wants give illegal immigrants the right to vote. Would you be angry if that happened in your town?
I’d be very angry. Voting is a right and privilege reserved for citizens. If someone is illegal, they’re not a citizen and are breaking the law. They should be deported and not rewarded. If they want to vote and have a say in our elections, then come into the country the right way, through the proper channels and earn that right to vote by becoming a legal citizen. If you can’t do that, then get the hell out and go home. ‘Nuff said!
Should people be allowed to use food stamps on junk food?
If a person is given food stamps to help feed themselves and their family, they should be able to use their own judgement to decide what kind of food to get. While I’m all for some sorts of restrictions, like not using food stamps for alcohol, cigarettes. fancy restaurants, gambling, cash, etc, food is food and everyone has unique and distinct tastes and eating habits. At least they’re eating so if the stamps are being used for food, that’s what matters and not necessarily what kind of food they’re getting.
Should police departments be allowed to put ‘In God We Trust’ on vehicles?
Yes. It’s on our money and it’s up at our local court house. I have no problems with it at all.
In a recent poll, nearly 100% of Trump voters say they’d vote for him over Hillary Clinton again in a heartbeat. Would you vote the same way again?
Trump over Hillary? Absolutely!
Do you think Melania Trump is a classy First Lady?
She’s beautiful, well mannered, highly intelligent, speaks 7 (I think) languages and is a loyal wife to Trump and great mother for Baron. She’s pretty much the ideal First Lady and I’m proud to see her representing out country, especially after what we had to endure for the previous eight years. Oh vey!
Everyone should stand for the National Anthem. Do you agree?
I think so, yes.
And that’s that for tonight. Thanks again for reading. Thoughts and comments are welcome and any kind of feedback is always appreciated. Until the next time, have a great night. Talk at you next time.
Ubuntu!
Tossing Salt Presents:
Wrestling Fact or Fiction
August 13, 2017
DougMaynard.com
The wrestling Q&A was fun, but now it’s time to take things up to the next level with a little thing we call “Wrestling Fact or Fiction”. The statements come from my long time, close personal friends over at 411mania.com/wrestling. And the rest of it comes from me. Let’s do this…
1. You’d be interested in a Ronda Rousey WWE run.
FACT: Be it in a 4 Horsewomen versus 4 Horsewomen angle or teaming with the Rock versus HHH and Stephanie or maybe up against Charlotte, Ronda in the WWE should happen. She has the celebrity and name recognition that WWE loves, she’s a big fan of the business and has the proper respect, and she’s Ronda “freakin” Rousey. It’s a win – win for everyone involved and needs to happen. And just imagine, if Brock Lesnar decides to leave WWE, Paul Heyman becoming the “Advocate” for Ronda afterwards and the two of them dominating the women’s division just as Brock and Paul have done with the men’s roster. However it happens, it needs to happen. Ronda is a future WWE Superstar. ‘Nuff said!
2. If WWE did in fact pass on a Rey Mysterio return, he will end up in GFW.
FACT: Duh! If WWE doesn’t sign Rey back up, and it doesn’t look much like they will, GFW would be his best option to make the kind of money he deserves and have a high profile spot on the American scene. What else is there for Rey? It’s either WWE or GFW and if Vince says no, then Anthem is where he needs to go. “F*ck the Owl!”
3. You want to see AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura main event WrestleMania.
FACT: I don’t really care if it’s the main event or not, but if AJ and Nakamura get the chance to hook up against each other at Wrestlemania, they’re going to try their best to steal the show and it will be a main event level match. I just want to see it happen.
4. You are disappointed to see Eva Marie leave WWE.
FICTION: I thought she was already gone. I did like the way they teased and tried to build her character, but it’s not a big loss for the WWE or the Women’s Division. Let her go. Bye!
5. Braun Strowman SHOULD win the WWE Universal Title at Summerslam.
FICTION: If Brock loses the title, and I really don’t think he should, the winner and man who beats him should be Samoa Joe. No one wants Roman to be the champ again and while Braun will be a major champion one day, he’s not ready yet. His time is coming, but it’s too soon and he has a ways yet to go before he should be wearing one of the big belts.
6. What is your current level of excitement for WWE Summerslam?
I’m ready for it and looking forward to both it and the NXT Takeover show. It’s not really for any particular match that is making me excited, but the whole concept of “SummerSlam” itself. It’s always the best show of the year, right behind Wrestlemania and almost always delivers. One a scale of 1 to 10, I’m going with a solid 7.5 right now. Bring it on.
And that’s all for now. Enough writing. It’s time to go Netflix for a little bit. I want to go see some South Park: The Movie. I love Canadians, but Satan and Saddam? Oh vey! Have a great night. Thank you for reading. Thoughts and comments are welcome and appreciated. Until the next time…
Ubuntu!
Tossing Salt Presents:
Wrestling Q&A
August 13, 2017
DougMaynard.com
Are you ready for a little bit of ‘rasslin? It’s time to do some Q&A. I’m cleaning out my closet and there are a ton of great wrestling related questions that have piled up and are getting old. Let’s just get right to it, shall we. I think so. So, two words for you. Question time!
Would you rather have 2 front row Wrestlemania tickets or 2 front row Royal Rumble tickets for two years in a row?
Honestly, I wouldn’t turn down either, but given the option of one or the other, I have to go with Wrestlemania.
If you could trade any NJPW wrestler over to WWE and trade any WWE wrestler to NJPW, who would it be?
How about bring the “Young Bucks” to the WWE and we’ll send The Ascension to New Japan in return.
Should Roman Reigns get credit for Braun Strowman getting over?
Roman should get some credit for his part in the matches against Strowman, but the Creative finally getting it right and Strowman for busting his ass and getting it so quickly should also be credited.
Would you consider the “Nation of Domination” WWE Hall of Fame worthy?
As individuals, absolutely. Ron Simmons, Godfather and Rock are already in the HOF as singles. It’s just a matter of time before Mark Henry is there and D-Lo will probably end up there sooner rather than later too. As a unit, their group was only around a short time and their impact was limited so no for a group “Nation” induction.
Would you rather see Ronda Rousey as part of a 4 Horsewomen angle or paired up with the Rock in a match against HHH and Stephanie?
Rock and Ronda versus HHH and Steph. It needs to happen.
If Brock leaves the WWE, who should be the next “Paul Heyman Guy”?
Whoever Heyman wants to be with next. I’d like to put him with Big Cass and see what they can do as a unit.
Scariest wrestler you’ve ever seen?
Brute Benard when I was about five years old. He had me crying. That man was a great heel.
Can you remember your first reaction when Paul Roma was revealed as the newest member of The Four Horsemen in 1993?
It was kind of “Eh!”, but I wasn’t too upset. I remembered what Roma did in the WWF as a Young Stallion and even then, knew he was a good wrestler and maybe with the Horsemen behind him, he could be something special. I honestly didn’t know who to expect. I was hoping for Barry Windham or maybe even Larry Zbyszko to be the new guy with the Horsemen.
What’s the best thing about the modern era of wrestling compared to the old school territory days?
The men and women are better athletes and faster, stronger, etc. The athleticism is 100% better and the production values of the TV is so much better.
Who is the “real Nature Boy”? Buddy Rogers, Ric Flair, Buddy Landell, Scoot Andrews or Paul Lee?
Buddy passed it on to Flair. Landell tried, but just couldn’t do it. Scoot Andrews gained some fame as the “Black Nature Boy”, but he’s no longer in the business that I know of and was never really anything major. Paul Lee? I don’t think so. The only “Nature Boy” that matters is Ric Flair. Woooooooooo!
Should the WWE do an all-female Induction ceremony to the WWE Hall of Fame?
That would be cool to see, but I can’t see it happening.
What’s your thoughts on Ricky Morton? Would he have had the career as say Shawn Michaels had he chose to go single when asked too?
I love Ricky and he’s a great wrestler, but as a singles, I don’t think he would have had any kind of major impact. Ricky is a tag team specialist and that’s what he was best at. He could take the beating and sell like a billion dollars, but then make that hot tag. That’s what brought him to the dance and while I could see a short singles run here and there, he isn’t the talker or as polished as Michaels. Ricky is great, but his career is tag team, not singles.
Everyone has a dream match that they’d love to see. What would be your “nightmare match” that you know would have no chance of getting over?
How about an Italian mob hit-man wearing an eye patch who chews glass versus a face painted mystery man who eats worms, neither of who were worth a damn in that ring. Yes, I’m talking about brief Mid-Atlantic wrestling star (I think he lasted about a month) Enforcer Luciano versus The Boogeyman (of WWE fame). I’m getting shivers (and not ones of joy) thinking about this match. Luciano made Ox Baker, by comparison, look like Ricky Steamboat. And Boogeyman? Compared to him, the ECW Zombie was Ric Flair. This dream (nightmare) match would be bad. Very bad!
And I guess that’s all for me now. Thank you for reading. Comments, thoughts and any wrestling questions you have are welcome and appreciated. And as the great Baron Von Raschke would say, “Dat’ is all de people need to know!”. Have a great night.
Ubuntu!
Facebook Q&A
August 12, 2017
DougMaynard.com
I have been so slack as of late and these questions have backed up quite a bit. It’s time to answer just a few of the more unusual questions I’ve found on my Facebook timeline over the past week or so. I’ve got the sounds of Alice Cooper’s new CD, “Paranormal” rocking in my ears and I am ready so let’s skip the small talk and let’s do this… NOW!
If you had a mutant power, what would you want it to be?
I would usually say telepathy, but then I look back at old comics and just as much bad seems to come with these abilities as good and the learning process of control is a total bitch. Most powers seem to be a double-edged sword and you’re as damned as much as you’re blessed. How about the ablility to talk to and understand, as well as have them understand me, animals. That would be cool in a good way and I’ve always liked animals better than most people anyhow.
Why can’t anyone seem to make a good Fantastic Four movie?
I honestly didn’t think the first couple of big budget attempts with Dr. Doom or the Rise of the Silver Surfer were that bad, but compared to the more modern movies like the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies or even the Netflix series, they are extremely dated and not quite up to par. I don’t get it. It’s a good story and the Fantastic Four are strong characters with an amazing assortment of supporting characters around them. Making a good FF movies should be a no-brainer, but no one has quite figured out the right way to do it. Maybe one day.
Can a person of color be racist?
If a person, whoever they are, thinks that the color of a person’s skin makes them either better or inferior, they’re racist. It doesn’t matter what color that person’s skin is. Race doesn’t make a person better or worse than another person. It’s actions and intentions that matter… nothing else.
If you had a time machine, where or when would you visit first?
If I had a time machine, it’d probably be like a phone booth, just like Bill and Ted had in their excellent adventures. And after a trip back to my childhood years to give my past-self a kick in the ass, I’d like to travel to the twenties for a few weeks, to see how things really were in the U.S. back then. And after that, the old west and hope I don’t get shot.
Do poor people really smell like sour milk?
Only a few of them, who don’t bathe regularly and live near the river.
Why are you and your best friend best friends?
That’s the question, isn’t it? We have little in common, a big age difference and hell, even I don’t get it sometimes. But we just connected and be it fate, karma or just dumb luck, we relate and have a connection that can’t be described. He knows how I think and I can generally, Lord help me, tell what he’s thinking. He’s the Jay to my Silent Bob or the Rick to my Morty (I don’t even watch that show) and to put it simply, it doesn’t have to make sense – it just is. He’s like the son I never had (due to our age difference) and my best friend all mixed into one and I’m proud, honored and extremely glad to have him in my life. He keeps me young and I keep him grounded and it’s just a damn good thing. ‘Nuff said!
You can build your dream home. Money is no object? What would you build?
I want a huge home that looks like Collinwood (of Dark Shadows fame) on the outside, but all modern and sophisticated on the inside, with a pool, a large kitchen and dining area, a classic styled office to work and write from and small guest houses for my friends and family. Lots of woods and secluded area with a lake of course, but only ten – fifteen minutes away from a city so I could have my privacy, but also comfort. About twenty five acres would do it.
New City Hall in Laurinburg? Yes or No and why?
No because quite simply, we don’t need it. Laurinburg needs so many things, such as jobs, street repair, help with the crime and drug problems, lower taxes, a Community Center, ways to attract new businesses to the area, etc. So many needs and our City Council wants to waste ten million dollars on a pretty new building to satisfy their own egos. It just doesn’t make sense.
Best gift you’ve ever received?
My Dad gave me his old car when I was 15 and about to get my license. An incredibly awesome woman gave me this computer I’m writing on now when my old one died. My BFF and his then-woman cooked for me and made me a rainbow cake for my birthday. That was so damn cool. But the best? I had a young man I was messing around with back in the day – he was so damn hot! He also turned out to be a total piece of shit in the end, but for my birthday one year, he gave me himself. I came home and he greeted me at the door wearing nothing but a bow around his neck and a smile. That was amazing.
What is your worst drinking experience that you remember?
Three times come to mind. I remember getting sick after drinking El Toro tequilia, beer and a few other assorted liquors back when I was seventeen. I was good until I started doing the shots and well, it whipped my ass so bad that I swore off El Toro that night and haven’t touched it since. The second time was mixing Mad Dog 20/20 (grape) with Grape slushies. Not a good idea. I mainly remember riding down 15-501 going towards John’s Station with my head hanging out the car window, getting sick and covering the side of the car we were in with a very nasty mixture of Mad Dog, Slushie and my dinner that night. Not a pretty sight. And the final thing I don’t really remember, but have been told about is a night with some of my friends and I was drinking Four Loco. They say I got sloppy and was obnoxious, slurring and hard to deal with. I don’t believe it since I’m always an angel and never misbehave, but my friends won’t let me drink Four Loco anymore so there might be something to that story. Who knows?
Use one word to describe yourself.
“Quirky”
Pick a family to live with: Addams Family, The Brady Bunch, Rosanne?
The Bradys would never work and even though I love Rosanne and her family, I’m too weird to fit in. I’d be a great Addams though.
What was your favorite color Power Ranger?
Which one does the MMA and wants to fight CM Punk? Hell if I can remember. I’ll just say “Black” because I like black.
Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
Give me cold over hot anytime. I can put on clothes to stay warm, but if I get hot, it’s just too damn hard to handle and deal with. I’m hot now. I need a fan or a drink. Where my lemonade at?
And that’s all of this for now. I think a Wrestling Q&A is coming up next. Thanks for reading this. Thoughts and comments are welcome and appreciated. Take it easy and I’ll catch you on the flip side. Take care.
Ubuntu!
