Tossing Salt Presents:
Wrestling Fact or Fiction
July 2, 2017

Welcome to my weekly edition of “Wrestling Fact or Fiction”, where I take a look at several topics that are making the news in the world of professional wrestling and give my analysis and opinion of said topics. The questions and the format come from my friends over at 411mania.com/wrestling. The opinions offered are from me, myself and I. Thoughts, comments and dissension are welcome.

Before I get started, I want to apologize for the lack of new content here at the site over the past couple of days. I’ve been trying to post at least two or three new items every day, but the past few days… Oh vey! I’m sure that you’ll get to hear all of the details in a future “This and That” column, probably later today if all goes as planned. But let’s suffice it to say that I have lived and seen hell and it’s been here at the Salt Palace in full force over the past week. But I’m not going to let it get me down and the show must go on. At least that’s what Freddie Mercury always says.

But you’re not here to hear all of that. You’re here for some wrestling news, views and other stuff. So enough chit chat. Let’s do this…

ROH putting the World Championship on Cody Rhodes was the right call?

FACT: While having “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels as the ROH Champion was awesome, this is Cody’s time. He’s as hot as he’s ever been, even without the power of the WWE behind him, and it just feels oh so right. This move cements the idea that Cody’s decision to leave the comforting arms of Vince and go out into the world to show what he can really do was the right move. Cody is just getting better and better and building his stock more and more, much like Drew McIntyre did when he left the WWE and as Jinder Mahal did too. Cody already had a career to be proud of and it’s just getting better and better. Kudos to this future WWE Champion. His time is now and he truly deserves all the success it is currently bringing.

Mauro Ranallo being back with the WWE is a big positive for the NXT brand.

FACT: Mauro is one of the best play-by-play announcers in the world and he loves wrestling. This move allows Mauro to do what he does so well, but not under the glaring eyes of Vince and JBL, but instead in the tender embrace of HHH, who is more inclined to appreciate his old-school style of calling matches. And when one of the best commentators in the world is at ringside calling the action, it makes the NXT product seem even that much better and more important, not that it needs the help. This is a great move for all parties involved.

WWE releasing the “Mae Young Classic” in “On-Demand” format instead of as a weekly TV show is a bad move.

FACT: I would prefer to see it as a weekly show but I’m sure that WWE has a plan and reason for doing it this way and they know their business better than I do. “On Demand” seems to be the way people prefer to watch their shows today. Netflix has proven that time and time again. So if there are no plans to do a regular television or Network series, why tease or start one for the tournament just to abruptly end it when the tournament does. I think this is an experiment by WWE to see how things go and to help determine the best way to release future products. Either way it’s release though, I’m watching. Go Tessa Blanchard!

You are pleased that Carmella won MITB again on Smackdown.

FACT: It was the best move and the right move. Carmella has found her “golden ring” and will not be denied. I’m happy for her.

You are not excited with Jim Ross and Lita serving as the commentators for the Mae Young Classic.

FICTION: If they’re looking for two people to call the action for the Mae Young Classic, then why not go with the best, currently living, wrestling commentator available, and that’s of course, Jim Ross. And Lita is a part of the WWE family, a Hall of Famer and isn’t bad either so let her do color and by God, they got themselves a show. Personally, I would have looked at Renee Young first, but I guess she’s involved in so many things with Smackdown and the Network already, it wasn’t feasible. Ivory too would have been a personal good pick of mine, given her time working WWE Experience, calling matches and doing commentary, but she’s not in the business anymore and not under contract with the WWE so I guess that would be a “no” too. Lita and Ross are a good team and good picks for this job. I’m looking forward to hearing them do their thing. Go Tessa!

How excited are you for Impact / GWF Slammiversary pay-per-view?

Well, I actually did a prediction column a few days ago so that says something, doesn’t it? I think the show will be good and exciting and all of that. I also don’t think anyone will be watching or really care except for the extreme diehard Impact / GWF fans. I’ll keep up with it on the computer, but it’s not one of my biggest priorities of the day. I think it falls somewhere between picking up the sticks in the yard and learning to do the hokey pokey. My excitement level? On a scale of 1 to 10, I’ll say around a 3.8.

And there you go. That was fun and now we’re done. Thanks for reading. Thoughts and comments are welcome. And until the next time, probably later today, I’m out of here. Have a great one and I’ll see you later. Love ya – mean it!

Ubuntu!