Tossing Salt – Worldwide News
August 15, 2014
Doug Maynard

And it go like this right here. I hate rap! Rap is crap! Yeah, I’m missing Curt Hennig and the infamous West Texas Rednecks. Their song, “I Hate Rap (Rap Is Crap)” has been in my head all day for some reason. WCW really dropped the ball with that storyline. It could have been big time money. RIP Curt Hennig and Bobby Duncum Jr. And a shout out to Barry and Kendall Windham. And yeah, rap really is crap. Just saying.

I’m Doug and welcome to a new edition of pro wrestling’s most eclectic column, the somewhat sporadic, but always eclectic “Tossing Salt – Worldwide News!”. Yes, I know it’s been a while and I’ve been a total slack-ass, but I have a good excuse. Come by the house sometime and I’ll fix you a bowl of chili and we’ll discuss it. I make some killer chili. It’s good!

As for today, we’re going to make it short and sweet (yeah, right!). I have a few predictions about the biggest wrestling event of the summer, SummerSlam 2014, coming this Sunday night from Los Angeles, CA. I have a few questions from the old mailbag that will be answered. And I’ve got a few random thoughts about a few current happenings in the world’s greatest sport since dwarf tossing. So let’s can the chit-chat and let’s do this.

Thoughts And Stuff…

The word is that Kurt Angle is trying to petition himself for a limited return to the WWE. I’m not sure if I like the idea or not. Kurt is a great wrestler and could be a valuable addition, even on a limited basis, to the WWE roster. But on the other hand, and it sounds odd for me to be saying this since I tend to prefer the older stars over the newer ones, having Angle back would take away TV and exposure from guys like Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Dolph, Zack, Swagger, Ziggler, Wyatt. And unlike Chris Jericho or RVD, who don’t seem to mind (and in Jericho’s case, thrive) on putting the next generation over, I just don’t see Angle being quite as agreeable. As a trainer or agent, I’d have no objections, but if he’s part of the active roster, I just think WWE would be better served investing in other people instead. Angle as a trainer on “Tough Enough” would be great to see though.

TNA has been moved by Spike TV to Wednesday nights starting next week. So instead of having to face the challenge of the NFL and (possibly) Smackdown (if the rumors are true), Impact will go against the power of Duck Dynasty instead. Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m choosing between Dixie Carter or Phil & Uncle Sy, it’s not even a close decision. Another nail in the coffin for TNA. The days are getting shorter and the future looks bleak. Has Spike TV renewed Impact yet? I don’t think so.

Alberto Del Rio is gone from the WWE for allegedly slapping a member of the WWE’s social media staff. It’s not really a surprise that Del Rio was terminated. After all, he’s allegedly been unhappy with WWE for a while and was planning on leaving when his contract expired anyhow. It’s a shame, but he wasn’t really being used much lately anyhow except to put other guys over in “Beat The Clock” challenges and he’ll be better off (and probably happier) working back in Mexico where he dominated for years as Dos Caras Jr. Del Rio fired. Ricardo Rodriguez terminated. Rey Mysterio is being contractually held hostage and allegedly wants to leave the company. Vickie Guerrero is gone as well. Me thinks that someone in power doesn’t like latinos in the WWE. Hey El Torito, hold on to your tail. You could be next!

The Hardy Boys versus Team 3-D on Impact! last night? All that was missing was a run-in by Edge and Christian and things would have been perfect.

I actually enoyed the Hogan “birthday celebration” this past Monday on RAW. Did anyone else notice that Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff almost started laughing and actually cracked a smile when Brock Lesnar called Hulk Hogan “Grandpa”. That was funny and the camera was quick to move away from the smirking man with the killer mustache. It was also funny to see Scott Hall move behind “Mean Gene” when Brock climbed into the ring. A good segment and everyone sold the tension and danger of Brock quite well. Wouldn’t mind seeing a Brock Lesnar – Kevin Nash face-off at some point. It won’t happen because Kevin would probably tear his quad, but still…

One thing that didn’t look right though was Ric Flair and Roddy Piper standing in the ring next to Hogan, Hall and Nash. The nWo in the ring with Piper and Flair? Flair was Flair, happy, smiling and clapping. Hasn’t he ever heard of selling? But Piper showed some obvious tension on his face for the whole segment. But then again, Piper always looks tense. Maybe he needs some Exlax or more ruffage in his diet? Who can say for sure.

If Dolph doesn’t win the Intercontinental Championship on Sunday night, I think a good move for him (for the time being) would be to enter the tag team ranks. Since they’re already a team of sorts in their attempts to take over the JBL & Cole show, how about Dolph and Zack Ryder as a tag team challenging the Usos for the tag team gold. It’d be a damn good match and could steal the show at any WWE event. I’d love to see it.

I realized something the other day. The Accolade, used as a finisher by Rusev, is the exact same finisher that was used by Scott Steiner, except for he called it the “Steiner Recliner”. Wouldn’t it be cool to see Scotty Steiner come out on RAW one night and cut a promo, as only Steiner can do, accusing Rusev of “stealing his move”. Rusev takes offense, of course and comes out to challenge the former multi-time WCW Champion. It wouldn’t be pretty, but it would make for great crash-TV and a match of epic, stiff proportions. Rusev versus Scott Steiner. Admit it! You’d like to see it happen too.

RAW will be in Las Vegas this coming up Monday night. That brings to mind a few names that I would love to see show up on Monday night at RAW to make cameo appearances, most likely with Adam Rose and his group of misfits. How about The Godfather? How about Disco Inferno? How about Rico? All three live in Vegas and all three would be great fits to come out strutting, dancing and chillaxin’ with the Exotic Express. Make it happen, Vince!

Let’s do some Q&A…

Question Time…

Michael Sisco: I have a hypothetical question. If the 4-Horseman had never existed, would Arn and/or Tully been world champion at some point?

I don’t think so. Tully wasn’t considered big enough by most standards of the day and even though he had quite a few great matches, he would have been stuck in the secondary champion or top contender slot. And Arn would have been used as the strong guy who could be depended upon for a good match, but otherwise stuck mainly in the tag team ranks in order to help build new stars and keep that division strong, much like Ole Anderson did for most of career.

Charlie Haas: If you had to show one match to somebody that has never really watched pro wrestling, what match would you pick to watch with them?

The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette (Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton) versus Ric Flair and Barry Windham (The Horsemen) w/ James J. Dillon from Clash of the Champions 4. Great athletes putting on a great match with just enough shenanigans to really add that exclamation point to show what professional wrestling should really be all about. It’s one of my favorite matches of all time and a must-see match for any fans of old-school wrestling.

Terence Butler: Should John Cena have been the one to end “The Streak”? And has it hurt his legacy?

Cena didn’t need to end the streak. His legacy is pretty much strong, safe and secure in the world of sports-entertainment.

Hal Jordan: What are your favorite AWA memories?

Most people might not know or remember this, but I used to do recaps of the AWA on ESPN Classics for the PWInsider website so I’ve got a few moments of AWA greatness that stand out in my head. Larry Zbyszko defending the AWA title against Harley Race is one. How about Baron Von Raschke singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”. The great Buddy Rose and Doug Somers, managed by Sherri Martel and their battles against The Midnight Rockers. The future “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig getting “the world’s greatest advice” from Larry Zbyszko and defeating Nick Bockwinkle to capture the AWA World Championship. Bruiser Brody going nuts and scaring the hell out of everyone. Wrestle-Rock and the Wrestle-Rock rumble. So many things stand out in my mind from those shows. It was quite a time and era.

Jamie Clarke: Now that The Usos have retained the Tag Team Championship against the Wyatt Family for a second time, who do you think will eventually take the belts from them?

Looking at the WWE tag team scene right now, I think that the most likely guys to come in and beat the Usos will most likely be Dustin and Cody, aka Goldust and Stardust. Actualy, I’d like to see Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel team back up and have a shot, but I don’t think that’ll happen. Dolph and Zack Ryder would be a good team too, but that’s even less likely. Yeah, I think I’ll go with the Dusty Duo.

Iam Djqu: Should Nikita Koloff been the NWA World Champion back in the JCP era??

Looking back, Nikita was a monster in that ring and as tough as they come, but the NWA World Champion? I don’t really think so. I think of the NWA Champion and I think of Ric Flair, Harley Race and Dory Funk, men who could have a good match against anyone and everyone and make even the most incompetent wrestler look like a top star and a million bucks. Nikita wasn’t quite as well rounded and did the power thing, but not much else. He was great at his character and style and while he could have possibly been a transitional champion for a week or so, I can’t picture him as being a successful long-term champion. It just wouldn’t have worked well for that era.

And there you go. Let’s move on once more and it’s time to break out the Sister Cleo outfit and the crystal ball. Or is that Dionne Warwick? Regardless, let’s do this…

WWE SummerSlam Predictions…

WWE World Heavyweight champion John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman.

I’ve got to say that I’ve been loving the build for this match and I’m expecting it to be a true slobberknocker in all ways. But who is going to win and walk out of Los Angeles on Sunday night as the WWE World Champion. That’s the question. Everything screams that Brock Lesnar will dominate and win. He’s bigger, stronger, on a roll of epic proportions and just so damn intense, how can you possibly beat this guy? How can even John Cena overcome all the odds and win any kind of match against Brock? Well, it’s pretty simple. He can’t win the match… BUT he won’t lose the title. Here’s how I see it. To win the title, Brock has to beat Cena by pinfall or submission. So they battle, Brock decimates Cena, but goes a bit over the top and strikes a referee. They’re on the outside of the ring and Brock puts Cena through the announce table, but takes too long doing it and they both get counted out. Not sure of the exact scenario, but Brock wins the war, but not the title due to… I’ll say a count-out. Thus the battle and war can continue at the next pay-per-view event as well. As for the title, once Cena is laid out by “The Beast”, what’s to stop a certain Money In The Bank contract holder from cashing in? Hmmmmmm…

WINNER: No Contest (Cena retains the title).

Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns.

The Apex Predator versus The master of the superman punch. This is another match that should be stiff, brutal and fun to watch. Randy has never been one of my favorite guys, but he can always be counted on to have a good, solid match. He’s earned that spot at the top of the card and rarely disappoints. And Roman is the hot, new thing and is coming along nicely as the (with all apologies to Brock Lesnar), the next big thing. This feud could really have some legs and be stretched out for the nxt few months if played correctly. And I think the best way to do that is have Randy win. So it’s not the popular decision, but it’s what I think will happen. Due to that killer RKO from nowhere, the one-time “Legend Killer” takes the win. And come Monday night on RAW, Roman gets mad and payback. Yep, that sounds like a plan.

Winner: Randy Orton

WWE Divas champion AJ Lee vs. Paige.

Paige is finally starting to show on the main roster what she was showing in NXT, that personality and is developing into quite a character. Her interactions with her “frienemy” have really allowed her to start to shine. And AJ is just as fun and over the top as always. And we all know guys love “crazy chicks”. This should be a good match and fun to watch. Paige will eventually have her day and have the chance to be the Divas Champion. But that being said, this weekend will not be the time or place. I think the era of AJ Lee still has a long ways to go. AJ retains the gold.

Winner and STILL Divas Champion: AJ Lee

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins – Lumberjack Match

A lumberjack match. Woo-hoo! So at least Zack Ryder, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel will all get the chance to get a PPV bonus this month. Mark Henry and Christian too (I hope). As for the match itself, why did Ambrose pick a “Lumberjack Match” and not a “MITB Contract On A Pole” match? Maybe it’s just me, but physical wounds heal. Take that title opportunity away and it would hurt Rollins far worse. Regardless of why, it is what it is and the modern day version of “Dick Slater meets Roddy Piper” is going to do what he does. Ambrose wins and hands Seth a major shalacking. I expect that we’ll see Seth later in the night making his impact, but for this match, it’s all Ambrose. ‘Nuff said!

Winner: Dean Ambrose

WWE Intercontinental champ Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler.

Ziggler it seems is always the bridesmaid (or top contender) and never the bride (or champion). I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Ziggler dominates the match, but when that final bell rings, The Miz is still the Intercontinental Champion. Why? Cause he’s the Miz and he’s…. you know the rest.

Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: The Miz

Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt

Chris Jericho won the first match at Battleground. Thus, to keep the feud going and not decimate or destroy Bray’s momentum, this one goes to the eater of worlds. Follow the Buzzards. Bray wins!

Winner: Bray Wyatt

Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella.

I’m conflicted on this one. I can’t really see Steph stepping back into the ring after a ten-year hiatus in order to lose. But if Steph wins, what’s left for Brie? If Daniel Bryan was healthy and able to come back to the ring, I could see Steph stealing a win (with the aid of her hubby, HHH), to build towards a mixed-tag match. But Bryan isn’t able to work right now so where are they taking this? What’s next? I’ve heard people speculate about Nikki Bella turning on her sister, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. Why would Nikki allign herself with The Authority when they’re trying to take out her boyfriend, John Cena? I have another theory instead.

Flashback to about two years ago and the Bellas were heels and they were giving a certain WWE Diva a hard time as she exited from the company. That Diva said she’d be back eventually and get some payback. I’ve heard the word “karma” mentioned a few times over the past few months as things have developed between Brie and Stephanie. So we get the match and Brie “beats” Steph. But then Brie gets a big dose of beatdown from a returning “Kharma”, back in the WWE and looking for some payback as Stephanie’s personal bodyguard. It’s just speculation on my part, but it really would be “best for business”. Brie wins the match and afterwards… we’ll see.

Winner: Brie Bella

Flag Match: Jack Swagger vs. Rusev.

It’s the feel good moment of the show as Swagger (due to a distraction by Zeb Colter) captures the flag and wins the match. Thus Swagger (and the fans) win, but Rusev can still make the claim he’s never been “pinned or submitted” and maintain his aura of bad-assity. Yep, that sounds about right. WE THE PEOPLE!

Winner: Jack Swagger

And I guess now it’s time to bring this to an end and put the baby to bed. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at @doug28352 or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/saltpalace. Thank you so much for reading. I’m Doug and I will see you on the flip side. As the great Baron Von Raschke would say, “Dat is all de’ people need to know!”. Have a good one, support your local Indy wrestling group, and always be a fan.

Ubuntu!