Tossing Salt – Worldwide News
May 17, 2015
Doug Maynard

“Welcome to my nightmare. I think you’re going to like it. I think you’re gonna feel that you belong”. Yes, I am listening to the great Alice Cooper as I write this, the long awaited return of “Tossing Salt – Worldwide News!”. I’m your host with the most, Doug and this is what I do. I’m going to skip the chit chat for today because I have many things to talk about. Well actually, I only have three things to talk about, but I know that I’ll probably be long winded in my discussion and three things are probably more than enough. So the topics for today will be podcasts, the WWE Network and the big WWE pay-per-view event tonight, WWE Payback. So are you ready? I said, “Are you ready?” Blah, this never works well in the written form. Let’s just get right to it, shall we. Let’s do this…

Podcasts…

I’ve been spending a lot of time as of late listening to the current “big thing” among wrestling fans and that’s podcasts. Doesn’t it seem like everyone has one going these days. A friend of mine and myself have even talked about maybe starting one of our own about “current events” and “general B.S.”, including wrestling of course. We just can’t seem to get our schedules coordinated enough to do anything yet and it’s all still in the planning stages.

But back to what I was saying. It seems as if everyone has a podcast of their own and it’s extremely hard to try and listen to each and every one of them. I tried to listen to Ric Flair’s new podcast and couldn’t get through more than one edition, an interview with Kurt Angle. Flair is a great talker, but not a great interviewer. He always falls back on one thing and that’s Ric Flair and it gets a little old pretty quickly. I love it when Flair is a guest and can answer questions and tell stories, but when he’s the one asking the questions? I think I’m going to take a pass.

Jim Ross and Roddy Piper are pretty good, but their shows are hit and miss for me. Piper tends to ramble and mumble too much for my tastes, but he does know how to ask questions and give the guest a chance to respond. Jim Ross is a good interviewer, but just too serious natured for my tastes. Chris Jericho has a great show, but it’s also hit and miss to me. Jericho’s show is more like friends and associates just chillaxin’ and talking instead of any serious questions and answers. I try and listen every week, but some shows just don’t work for me and I tune out rather quickly. In my opinion, the best podcasts out there are Steve Austin’s two weekly shows and Jim Cornette’s “Jim Cornette Experience”.

The thing is though, even with all the dozens and dozens of wrestling podcasts out there, something is missing and I think I know what it is. There are no wrestling orientated podcasts or shows out there hosted by a woman wrestler or Diva. I’ve mentioned before how I feel that Lisa Moretti, aka “Ivory” would be excellent in a role like this. She has the background necessary as a wrestler, valet / manager and commentator for GLOW, POWW and the WWE. She has the extremely outgoing personality, she knows pretty much everyone in the business, she doesn’t hold back or bite her tongue about much and she loves to talk. Lisa Moretti, aka Ivory, would be an ideal choice and person to become the first female wrestling personality to host her own podcast. I know I’d listen and tune in each week.

But suppose Lisa isn’t interested or doesn’t have the necessary time to get involved in such a project? Well, two more names came to mind rather quickly for me as well. How about Lisa Marie Varon, aka “Victoria / Tara”. She’s got the background, the personality, the knowledge and the name recognition to pull it off and really make a big impact in the world of podcasting.

Another name that comes to mind to me is Nikla Roberts, aka “Baby Doll”. While Baby Doll wouldn’t be quite the natural on-air that I feel Ivory would, she is a very intelligent woman with a great personality. I’ve met her a couple of times and spoken with her and I think she would probably adapt rather quickly to the role of interviewer and personality and do a fantastic job. And think of the stories she could tell from her time in the locker room during the Jim Crockett days and as the “Perfect Ten” of Tully Blanchard. She was there in the beginning for the legendary Four Horsemen. She managed Tully, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Larry Zbyszko and so many others. And to top things off, she’s still active on the Independent circuit and knows about the business as it is today as well as yesterday. Just imagine the guests she could find and talk too. It’s an old-school wrestling fan’s dream come true.

So my point is, there are way too many wrestling podcasts out there, but there is still a hole and that’s a show hosted by a female wrestling personality. It would work. It would sell. It would get listeners, especially if the right woman is hosting. And I think that the right woman to fill that role and make history would be one of three, Lisa Moretti, Lisa Marie Varon or Baby Doll. Hey podcast producers, get on the ball and sign one of (or all of) these women. You’ll be glad you did.

And let’s throw in a quick “Top Ten” list… just because…

“Top 10 Wrestling Personalities Who I’d Love See Host A Podcast”

10. Dutch Mantell aka “Zeb Colter”
9. Eric Bischoff
8. Zack Ryder
7. Lisa Marie Varon aka “Victoria” / “Tara”
6. Kevin Nash
5. Nickla Roberts aka “Baby Doll”
4. Michael P.S. Hayes
3. Andrew Singer aka “soce the elemental wizard”
2. Shane Helms aka “Hurricane Helms”
1. Lisa Moretti aka “Ivory”

The Network…

As most of us do now, I regularly spend quite a bit of time watching the WWE Network. The current product of the WWE is hit and miss for me. I like some of it, but compared to the “glory days” of the Monday Night Wars and even before then, the days of the territories, especially the Mid-Atlantic region and Georgia, today’s product is missing something and lacking. And with the Network, we get to see the pay-per-views as they happen live, as well as all of the old pay-per-views, the NXT matches and shows and all sorts of specials and other items of interest. Yes, it truly was a great and happy day when Vince McMahon’s dream of his own network finally came true.

As most people are aware, the WWE decided that, much like the NXT programming and special events, to put on a “Network Exclusive” pay-per-view event at the end of the month, the “Elimination Chamber”. I think that’s a great idea and way to convince people to subscribe and buy the Network. It gives those few naysayers that are still out there a reason to finally give in and give it a shot. And once they’ve signed up, sacrifcing their ten bucks to see the Elimination Chamber show, most likely they’ll stick around. It’s a great idea and the WWE should really just run with the concept and do more Network-only exclusives in my opinion. The pay-per-views were the bread and butter of the WWE, but now it’s all about the Network and how many subscriptions they can get and keep. The more events and shows that are Network only, the more fans of the WWE will feel it necessary to sign up. I’ve come up with three concepts and ideas that could help with this. They’re not new ideas or original, but they are just ideas that I feel would attract more viewers and fans to subscribe. And here we go.

One Man Shows…

The recent “Cheap Pops” event with Mick Foley aired on the Network and from all reports, drew in a good audience. It’s fun, entertaining and easy to produce so why stop with just Foley and his one man show? Why not, every other month or so, do a “WWE Network Special” and feature a different one man show from a different personality? Besides Foley, other wrestling personalities who regularly perform these events include William Regal, Jim Ross, Diamond Dallas Page and Jim Cornette. Dolph Ziggler and Colt Cabana do the occasional stand-up routines and I’m sure that there are many, many others who either already do or could be persuaded to attempt these events. I seem to recall something about Trish Stratus and Lita doing some events together. Just send a camera crew and producer and film these shows. A little editing here and there, but for the most part, just capture the shows as they happen and there you go, instant programming that would draw in fans and provide them an opportunity to see some of their favorites in a new light.

Where Are They Now?…

Another concept that has been done and over-done, but always seems to work. There are so many legends and big names from days-gone-by that have vanished from the spotlight of their glory days. Where are these people? What are they doing now? What kind of stories do they have to tell? Just send an interviewer out with a camera crew and visit these folks and learn. A brief thirty minute profile of their background mixed with a current interview. Throw in a match or two from their careers if available (and given the WWE’s intensive video archives, it most likely is), and there you go. Fairly inexpensive programming that gives the WWE fans something different and interesting and a chance to learn about those who paved the way for the WWE Superstars of today.

Special Events…

They already do this with the NXT product and events like the upcoming Elimination Chamber, but I feel that the WWE should try to do at least five or six “Network Exclusive” events, apart from the pay-per-views, each year. Some of the ideas for concept shows that I’ve come up with include occasionally taping house shows and allowing them to air either live on the Network or maybe the next day. That would give the fans a chance to see how their favorites perform in a non-TV enviroment where things are a bit more casual and relaxed.

Another idea is a concept that TNA has already tried, but then again, TNA is not the WWE and just because they couldn’t make these work doesn’t mean that the WWE couldn’t. I’m talking about a series of “One Night Stand” shows. The WWE did something of this nature with the “King of the Ring” event, but that wasn’t really a Network thing, at least not fully. They had the opening matches on RAW and then the finals on Tuesday in a Network special. I’m talking about special shows that begin and end the same night, the same show. Here are five concepts that I came up for for special event “One Night Stand” shows on the Network.

“Ladies Night” where the entire card is made up of both WWE and NXT Divas. As the NXT ladies have proven this past weekend on the NXT house shows, they definitely can main event and headline a card. Let the women go out there and show what they can really do. Forget about the three minute snooze-fests. Some of the women in the WWE can really go if given the chance. This would be their chance.

“Battle Bowl” – I’m stealing an old WCW gimmick match here where teams were picked and chosen “at random” and faced each other for a chance to go to a Battle Royal at the end of the night and win the “Battle Bowl” ring. This would be fun to watch as friends wrestle each other, enemies are forced to cooperate and team up, alliances are born and destroyed, etc. It would give some of the lower-card wrestlers a chance to interact with the “stars” and could just be a really fun night of action.

“Night of Legends” – This could be a night where the legends shine as wrestlers who are under legend’s deals or no longer with the company come back and work a show. Old feuds could be played upon, old gimmicks brought back, and the men and women who once headlined and dominated their profession could be given a chance to shine once more. It would make for a great opportunity for the stars of the past, like those of the “Attitude Era” and even before, if they’re still in wrestling shape and able to perform, to have that one last moment of glory. It would also attract and maybe bring back some of the older fans who aren’t quite into wrestling as much anymore.

“NXT versus WWE” – How about a night of the stars of NXT mixing it up with the stars of the WWE. Not quite an “Invasion” angle, but more like a friendly rivalry between the main roster and the men and women who are looking to take their spots. It would give both rosters a chance to shine a little bit, allow the NXT stars a little more exposure for the fans who watch RAW and Smackdown, but don’t follow the NXT brand, and would just make for a fun and exciting night of wrestling action.

And finally…

“Night of Champions Roulette” – This essentially mixes up the “Night of Champions” idea where we have a card and every title is defended with the “Raw Roulette” gimmick that the WWE likes to use when they travel to Vegas for a show. Picture this. We have a roulette wheel with the name of every WWE Superstar listed. We also have another wheel next to it with match stipulations listed, such as “Street Fight”, “Cage Match”, “Two Out Of Three Falls”, etc listed. And here is how it works. Each champion spins the first wheel. Whoever it lands on is their opponent for the night. Then they go to the second wheel and spin to find out what the match stipulation will be. And then they defend their title against the selected opponent in the selected style of match. Anything could happen. Anyone could be getting a chance to wrestle for a title. And it would be unpredictable, exciting and fun to watch.

So there you go.

So far, I’ve spoken about podcasts and shows for the WWE Network. I think it’s time to wrap this sucker up now and leave you with the final segment and that’s my predictions for the big WWE pay-per-view tonight, “Payback”. And of course, that means channeling the Sister Cleo buried deep in my soul, with a touch of Gary Spivey as well. (Does anyone remember when he was Paul Orndorff’s “psychic friend” back in the classic WCW days? Yes, I am doing match predictions. Let’s get busy and do this.

WWE Payback Pay-Per-View Predictions…

Fatal Four Way: WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton – If Rollins fails to retain, Kane is fired from The Authority.

This is a match that I’m looking forward to and should be really, really good. And the stipulation makes it even more fun. Will Kane help out his Authority team-mate? Will he do as he did this past Monday and just stand by and watch? Will he just make token efforts to help Rollins, while truly not helping at all? And is it really time yet for the title to change hands?

I don’t think so. Not yet anyhow. Rollins has been phenomenal as the WWE World Champion and I’m really enjoying the tense situation between him and Kane, as well as his truely heel personality and I’d hate to see the WWE pull the plug on this title reign so soon. I want Seth to keep the belt at least until SummerSlam, where hopefully he can defend against a returning Brock Lesnar. So with that in mind, I think Kane (reluctantly) interferes and as a result, Seth manages to steal a win and retain the title. Yeah, that works for me.

Winner and STILL WWE World Champion: Seth Rollins

I Quit Match: WWE United States champion John Cena vs. Rusev.

John Cena is NOT going to quit. We know this. But if Rusev can’t do anything here in this match, it’s pretty much over for him and he goes to the bottom of the roster, to join Zack Ryder and Bray Wyatt as the men Cena buried. So what will the WWE do? Imagine this. The match is a true slobber-knocker and both men really look strong. Cena starts to dominate and it looks as if the end is near for Rusev. So what does Rusev do? Building on the teased tension lately between Rusev and Lana, Rusev decides to grab Lana and threatens her with physical harm. I know that the WWE doesn’t allow man-on-woman violence anymore, but stick with me here. Rusev has Lana in his powerful arms and knocks her to the ground. If John doesn’t give up and quit, he’s going to “break her back” or something of that nature. What will Cena do? If he goes after Rusev, Lana will be “injured” and hurt. If he “quits” so Rusev will let Lana go, he loses the U.S. title and the match. Cena goes into “Sting-mode” and in order to be the “good guy” and save Lana, he says those magic words. Rusev wins and gets the title. Cena goes to comfort and check on Lana and she turns on him, kicking him in the little Cena’s. Classic heel moves, Cena looks like a chump (but a good guy chump who didn’t have a choice) and the belt changes hands as it should. Works for me.

Winner and NEW United States Champion: Rusev

Best of Three Falls: WWE Tag Team champions The New Day vs. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd.

I love watching Tyson and Cesaro as a team and it really seems as if they’ve found their nitch. But, and I really hate to admit this, over the past two week or so, I’ve started to enjoy the heel version of the New Day. The original concept really sucked, but they’ve adapted, switched it up a bit and are becoming a true guilty pleasure. So who wins here? Either way, I won’t be too upset. I think it’s too early to take the belts off the New Day team, so we’ll hold off on the title change until maybe the Elimination Chamber event at the end of the month. The current champs retain and it’s the start of a New Day.

Winners and STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: The New Day

Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler.

Dolph won at the last event, but Sheamus had the last laugh if you will. So at Payback, it’s going to be Sheamus getting the pin and win, but Dolph will have some antics up his sleeve and get the last laugh. And there you go.

Winner: Sheamus

Bray Wyatt vs. Ryback.

I want Bray to win. Bray hasn’t won a match on pay-per-view in nearly forever and needs to win. But Ryback is the company’s mid-card golden boy (this week anyhow) and can’t really handle a loss at this point and time. So look for the reunification of the “Wyatt Family” and let’s throw in Bo Dallas as an associate too (just because). Ryback wins by DQ (and takes one helluva beatdown) while Bray takes another loss, albeit by DQ. But it won’t matter because all everyone will be thinking and talking about is that Bray has gotten the family back together.

Winner by DQ: Ryback

King Barrett vs. Neville.

This should be another good match between the two men. I’m kind of thinking that Neville should win and keep his strong momentum going, but Barrett took a pin at the last pay-per-view event. But then again, Barrett won the King of the Ring event by pinning Neville. So this is the “rubber match” and could go either way. Hmmmm. Neville is the up-and-coming future and the powers-that-be are high on this kid so I’m thinking that Payback will be his night against the current WWE King of the Ring. King Barrett, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you. You’re going to lose.

Winner: Neville

Naomi and Tamina Snuka vs. WWE Divas champion Nikki Bella & Brie Bella.

When did the Bella Twins become faces? Does anyone even really care? It’s good to see Tamina back in action and being the bad-ass butt-kicker that she deserves to be. As for this match, Naomi and Tamina SHOULD win. They won’t though because the Bella’s have the stroke and the company knows that no one really cares.

Winners: The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie)

The Ascension vs. Macho Mandow & Curtis Axelmania (PPV Kickoff Show).

So here we go with the poor man’s 2015 version of the Legion of Doom taking on the psuedo not quite Mega Powers in a parody of what would have been one of the greatest dream matches of the late 80’s. I’m actually looking forward to this and am looking forward to seeing what Axel and Mandow can do as a team. It’s bordering on sacreligious for wrestling fans, but then again, this is professional wrestling. Nothing is truly sacred. The Ascension have been buried since coming up to the main roster from NXT and really need a big win here to gain any kind of momentum. But Mandow and Axel are a truly guilty pleasure and are two men who I can really see the fans getting behind. I can already imagine the t-shirts and merchandising lol. The Ascension need this match more than anyone, but I’m going to go with Axel and Mandow here. Let the excitement and momentum build and then eventually, one of the Divas can be inserted into the mix and we can watch the “Psuedo Mega Powers” explode. They should be able to get several months of build from this gimmick. Now can you dig it… brutha!

Winners: Macho Mandow & Curtis Axelmania

And with that, it’s time to wrap this up and call it a day. This is a long one to be sure and thank you so very much for reading. Comments and thoughts can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Follow me on Twitter at @doug28352. And now, “dat’ is all de’ people need to know!”. I’m out of here. Have a great day and again, thank you.

Ubuntu!