Sports Talk with MC

by MC

First off all, let me just say that it feels good to be back on the writing beat. I felt a distinct sense of comfort when I write. Thank goodness I’ve managed to find some time to conjure up something special with pen and ink (or, in this case, a keyboard, and, err, pixels?).

I was IM-ed by a colleague earlier today. He excitedly informed me that WWE Diva Ashley Mazzaro had been included as a castaway on the latest installment of the popular “Survivor” TV show. The latest season of the program, its 15th, will emanate from China, this fall.

It’s amazing how the WWE has managed to not only rule the small screen amongst sports entertainment afficionados, but the big screen, with viewers of all types as well. Vince McMahon has created true media synergy before our very eyes, the sort of well-placed magic which comes as a result of careful planning, and yes, often cutthroat business savvy.

Vinnie Mac has peddled everything from sex, soap opera-ish drama, to morbid attempts at parodying things like death and the siring of illegitimate children. He may not be the most moral upright of people, but hey, in terms of catching people’s attention, for better or worse, he is the king.

Realistically speaking, Ashley probably will not win the coveted plum of sole survivor simply because her status as an international celebrity would necessitate stamping on a bullseye on her back even before she sets foot in the Far East, but her mere participation should garner just enough publicity in order to gain yet another long-lasting financial triumph for the WWE.

John Cena started as your typical white chocolate rapper. Look at where a little marketing wizardry has brought the current WWE Champion who, for all intents and purposes, will never be as skilled in the squared circle as, say, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, or Shawn Michaels.

Controversy does created cash. Controversy is a coalescence of flair/showmanship, catering to/knowing all about the sensitivities of your audience, much time devoted to advanced planning, and, yes, a little bit of luck.

The winner of the Survivor game show nabs a nice purse of $1M USD, a car, and, a truckload of opportunities at even more gold even after the sand’s been washed off one’s feet and the spotlights are hauled out of the jungle, or, uhem, beach.

Like I alluded to earlier, though- we need not wait for season 15 of Survivor to end to become privy to who will come out as the big winner. The real winner in this case is a man who has one heck of a toned physique for a 60 year old, and chooses to look dignified in an Armani suit, but isn’t ashamed to moon audiences (much to our chagrin), from time to time.

Will Bill Goldberg do a cameo on “America’s Next Top Model”? Not likely, but hey, stranger things have happened.

So there you go.

~0~

by MC

It’s finally close to happening.

Very close.

Kevin Garnett coming to the Boston Celtics, and, potentially, forming a triumvirate in green composed of himself, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce could very well signal the reemergence of the Celts as a force in a lethargic Eastern Conference.

Some critics on the internet have said that the C’s are in the process of making a shrewd move, saying that the unification of Allen, Garnett, and “The Truth” is a sure fire ticket to the playoffs, and, on the grandest of stages in terms of expectations, an NBA title. Others have bashed the move, saying that Danny Ainge only made the said move to save his own neck, and that Boston’s youngsters like Rondo, Jefferson, Gomes, and Green should have been allowed to jell together towards becoming the future of Beantown.

In my opinion, it’s the legacy of the Boston Celtics franchise, in this case, that has worked towards the team’s detriment.

The C’s have won an NBA record 16 NBA championships. The team’s space in Springfield is littered with countless names ranging from Cousy, to Havlicek, to Russell, to Parish and Bird.  In the 1990’s, the franchise struggled through subpar seasons with players like Dino Radja and Sherman Douglas and coaches like Chris Ford and Rick Pitino at the helm. Later on, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker arrived, making them competitive for a while, until, well, Danny Ainge arrived and sent guys like Marcus Banks, Mike James, and Walker himself- packing.

Now, the Boston Celtics are at a crossroads. Boston can endure several more years in the doldrums and wait for their babies to grow up, or, they can forget “the future” and make deals which, although financially strapping, could make them win in the short term.

It’s because of the Celtic ghosts, who are so used to winning, that Danny Ainge is making this gamble.

Garnett is a bona fide star, but he’s already 31, and could potentially opt out after next year (after, potentially, 1 season in Boston). Pierce is 30, and Ray Allen, 32. How much longer can these men last? Make no mistake about it- the Celtics are not the Miami Heat, but hey, they could have tried to keep, at least, Al Jefferson. He seems to be a Zach Randolph type player (skillwise) whose upside is massive.

As for the TWolves, it is evident by all this Garnett shipment talk that the team’s in the process of rebuilding. Even if they don’t admit it, it’s seemed like Minny’s been in the dumps for the last two years anyhow, so, it’s pretty obvious that major repairs are in order. The TWolves are set to get a couple of things that work in their favor- youth, expiring contracts (i.e. Theo Ratliff), and a draft pick. As good a set up as this seems, one can’t help but ponder at “what ifs” related to a Garnett deal involving teams like Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State, or Atlanta, and not Boston. Could the TWolves nabbed a Shawn Marion, or, a Joe Johnson, or, even a Dirk Nowitzki, along with picks and an aging contract, had they tread a little bit farther, and/or a little bit longer? The tantalizing possibilities that may have existed with other squads are now all but gone, and better left to the imagination.

Once all the humdrum about refs in casinos, and yes, this deal, is done, one big question will remain unanswered come November. That question need not be stated explicitly.

In order to understand the nature of the conundrum, one simply has to gaze up into the rafters of the Boston Celtics’ home court, wonder when the next set of curtains will come, and wonder whether management’s weaving had produced the right set of guys to go to the mattresses with.

Tip off. Garnett gets possession. He pulls up for a jumper.

Hit or miss? Only time will tell.

~0~

by MC

How are things going, my peeps? It’s been quite awhile since I’ve managed to update this blog. I’m not sure if you’ve missed me, but I am certain of this- I sure have missed writing about sports. Such beats a day in the office. Really.

How about the last week in the WWE, huh? From Edge having to give up his world title due to a pectoral muscle tear, to The Great Khali becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion in the process, to Dusty Rhodes getting himself beaten up two nights in a row by a veangeful Randy Orton, and John Cena has managing to once again turn back another challenge (and a formidable one, at that, in Bobby Lashley), it’s been a festival of “surprises” (generally, yes, in terms of pro-wrestling standards, not too much, in a way) over the last seven.

*Randy Orton Vs. John Cena, for the WWE Title, Summerslam 2007:

After another gargantuan effort at the Great American Bash, people have been let to ask- can even God Himself beat John Cena?

The rapper turned marine has been the titleholder for over 300 days now, and with the impending return of Triple H, one might surmise that the Champ’s days would (realistically) be numbered. His reign as WWE Champion could be in jeopardy, though, not because of the King of Kings, but because of the exploits of the Legend Killer.

My friend raised a valid point over lunch today- Orton will probably snag the belt from Cena at Summerslam, making him a convenient, and ultimately vulnerable, target for a returning Game towards once again reigning supreme. A Cena loss would make some sense at this point, because McMahon wouldn’t want to strain his “best asset” too much (if that hasn’t occurred already), Orton has seemed to have earned a spot in the limelight again (it’s about time he stopped “jobbing”; what’s more, insiders say that a push for him to go back to being an A-lister has Triple H’s support; Triple H is, of course, Stephanie McMahon’s beau, so, that stand might go a long way for the master of the RKO), and a Triple H title reign at this point would be beneficial for the company, both financially (his return has been hyped up considerably), and in terms of prestige (Cena is more of an entertainer than an athlete; Triple H is a hybrid; he’s the best of both worlds; his 10 world titles speak volumes about this; he makes anyone and everyone who steps in the ring with him, better).

Go Randy! Bask in the seemingly impending glory that is to be yours once you defeat Cena! The belt won’t be with you for very long, knowing how WWE storylines work. If a longterm rivalry between Orton and Triple H is built up, then well and good. We need a bit of the “good ‘ol days” infused into today’s WWE anyhow.

Of course, all of this postulating could be for naught should John Cena beat Orton at the upcoming PPV. Cena winning would, in truth, make the WWE lose more fans than gain any. Kids love Kool Ade, but they can only take so much of it before screaming for water, just plain water. Without the base solute, nothing gimmicky can, and will, ever emerge. So goes my point.

*The Great Khali Wins the World Heavyweight Championship:

Stand back, Apu. Dalip Singh, aka The Great Khali, is the new World Heavyweight Championship.

Honestly, it’s about darn time this 7,3″, 420 pound behemoth won something in the WWE. Being a victim of John Cena himself while on RAW, moving to Smackdown proved auspicious for the Punjabi warrior. To many, it was only a matter of time before he struck it rich, and he has done so, in very convincing fashion.

From dominating the 20 man battle royal on Smackdown, to decimating ring veterans Kane and Batista at the Great American Bash, the Great Khali showed why he’s no Giant Gonzalez. His character might not have the longevity of, say, an Undertaker, or a Bret Hart, but he has certainly proven that newbies who don’t pledge allegiance to the red, white, and blue, or don’t fit the mould of the consumate sports entertainer, can grasp, even ever so slightly, a lasting sense of notoriety.

Who can beat this guy? Who can steal his thunder? Marketing sense would dictate that the Great Khali not hold the belt for too long (ala Bob Backlund from ‘78 to 80-something long), but who knows? He could hold the championship for quite a while, without viewers becoming too bored with him, assuming that he has with him the right handler, and gets the right sort of pushes for his title matches.

This former rock cutter, and New Delhi police officer, has indeed come a long way. He now, maybe literally, has the whole world, in his hands. At least his dominance is founded, somehow, unlike that twit on RAW who can’t shake of mockery related to Marky Mark.

=)

by MC

So Greg Oden’s been a foul-machine at the NBA Summer league so far. So Durant’s been clanging more shots off of a basketball rim than Britney Spears had rumors thrown her way earlier in her career than she had had her breasts done.

As much as it is too early to judge Oden and Durant, the number one and two draft picks in the 2007 NBA Draft respectively, their summer league resumes can tell us a few things that may very well be foreboding.

Greg Oden, if healthy and motivated, can be a machine on the glass and as a scorer in the paint. Durant has the athleticism to get by defenders and shoot lights out if left open, or even when covered. The thing is, both men are not, well, men just yet. They’re both 19 years of age, being thrust into the burning media spotlight with reckless abandon. Come November, we can expect Oden to most likely be more poised when it comes to managing his game, but do expect the man to make typical rookie big man mistakes in spite of it. Look for Greg to not do too well from the line. Look for Greg to still commit silly fouls. Also, look for him to not be able to dominate inside ala a young Shaq just yet. In my opinion, Oden may never get to dominate ala Shaq or Wilt. At best, he may be a more athletic Ewing. Durant, on the other hand, will probably be encouraged by Sonics coach PJ Carlesimo to adhere to an aggressive offensive mindset. He’ll be given the opportunity to take shots, and he will, by all means, take advantage of such chances. I don’t think he’ll ever be a 50% and up field goal shooter, but look for his shot selection to improve as he ages. The same goes for his passing, and for his rebounding, which should get better as he gets physically stronger. His development, I think, will also depend a lot on how much he’ll really be relied on in his first year to be Seattle’s franchise messiah. As much as I think Durant is a gifted athlete, he may not manage to mature as fast as most would like him to in his freshman campaign. Give it 2 or 3 years, and we may have the next TMac on our hands, sans the sleepy eyes, and the bulky frame. I say, in a couple of years, Durant will prove to us all why he should have gone number one, and instead of numero dos.

On the other hand, forget summer league odds and ends. What could really matter would be what happens behind the scenes between now, and the end of the first game of 2007-2008. Development, and, overall worth, could very well evolve healthily without much hype. Just ask Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

For now, let’s sit back and watch Oden and Durant grow before our very eyes, without, of course, forgetting that they weren’t the only ones ushered into the NBA on June 29th.

A little Marco Benellini or Javaris Crittenden, anyone? Sign me up for starters.

Basketball is both a game of numbers and of thunder. One can make an impact on sheer statistical dominance, or, sheer passion and hustle. Keen observers measure both very carefully. Casual fans get caught up with those with beautiful crossover dribbles, but not a lick of Grant Hill-esque decency, or Steve Nash-like humility.

Being, and, watching, the summer league is all about looking at both sides of the hoop story. It is supposed to be a cruel summer. It will inevitably such. How depends on which end of the spectrum you’re looking at the larger picture from.

~0~

by MC

Darko Millicic is now an unrestricted free agent, and as I type this piece, I can think of quite a number of teams that are ready to jump at the opportunity to acquire the 22-year old Serbian.

After recently announcing that they planned to sign former Seattle forward Rashard Lewis to a max contract, Millicic’s been left out in the cold to chew on what could have been with the Orlando Magic. Reports have indicated that Darko’s demand was to be paid a salary around the level of 10 M USD, an amount GM Otis Smith wasn’t ready to throw his way.

The former number 2 pick’s agent seems to think that Otis Smith used less than “honest” methods with regards to dealing with the entire free agency situation involving Darko.

Marc Cornstein declared in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel that Millicic would not suit up for the Magic now, or ever again, so long as Otis Smith was at the team’s helm.

Between human beings, Millicic being lied to isn’t the most acceptable thing. However, this is a business, and at the end of the day, the deal that will bring you the most gains at the best possible price will be the way to go. Lewis is a former all-star, Darko is viewed as a bit of a draft day bust. Rashard Lewis was a mainstay with the Sonics, averaging over 20 points a game. Millicic played an average of 23.7 minutes per contest in 06-07, and averaged 8 points and 5 boards. Although many people argue that Darko has the potential to be a star in the NBA, he has not proven to have enough as of yet to let GM’s give him a max contract.

It’s with this sort of logic that the Orlando Magic had to, if you want to put it that way, ditch the 7 foot European, in favor of a sweet shooting preps to pros stalwart.

Will the acquisition of Lewis make Orlando make a dent in the watered down Eastern Conference? Perhaps, but there are still some gaping holes on their roster. JJ Redick still needs to prove his worth, and while his emergence is on hold, Jameer Nelson, a guy who plays more like a 2 guard, will have to run the show. Hedo Turkoglu can’t play a sliver of defense, and is by no means an inside threat. Dwight Howard, as good as he is, has yet to develop a consistent 10-15 foot jumper enough to keep defenders honest. Tony Battie is not exactly Yao Ming (or even Erick Dampier), and Grant Hill, a steady presence on and off the court, looks like he’s headed either to the golf course, or to a contending team.

All factors considered, Stan Van Gundy has his work cut out for him.

It’s a good thing these guys are in the East, or else, the Magic Kingdom would’ve been known as the Tragic Kingdom by the end of the next NBA campaign, whether or not Lewis would end up as part of the active roster.

If I were Cornstein, or one of Serbia’s favorite sons, I would just take the hit (painful yes, but there’s no use dwelling on it), and move forward. After all, Dallas still has Erick Dampier, Amare Stoudemire still has no backup, and the Raptors’ Bryan Colangelo, like a good father, ALWAYS has his front porch open to European upstarts looking to take the alluring NBA Title’s hand in marriage.

Black magic, yes. Reason to be auspicious about the entire picture of the future, if you’re Darko? Absolutely. It can happen, if he can get past the label, the hype surrounding his depature from Florida, and manage to revel in, ironically, the efficient performances the lack of fanfare can tend to breed.

~0~

by MC

For a newcomer, Yi Jianlian, or those who are handling him, are making too much of a fuss about Yi not being a “good fit” for the Milwaukee.

I’m not NBA GM or scout, but how bad can it be? Sure, the Milwaukee area only has around 1,200 Chinese residents, but what is this about anyway, basketball, or marketing? As much as the two are interwoven into each other these days, the former, ideally, still should take precedence over the latter.

Maybe the Bucks could have been better served by drafting Corey Brewer? Or maybe even Joakim Noah? As good as Yi is (or can be), is he worth all this trouble?

And who did the Bucks draft anyhow, the Communist Party, or Yi Jianlian?

It’s just quite aggravating to know that an NBA team is going this far to get someone who, well, isn’t Michael Jordan, or, maybe, even Yao Ming.

Am I the only one who feels this way, or have others felt irked at all of Yi’s (or his people’s) whining?

What do you folks think?

Now I’m not being a racist or anything. This entire situation is just becoming more and more impractical for the non-Chinese party involved.

If you’re the sort who wants top-shelf drama, though, go to Hollywood, and look up, “Kobe Bryant”. There, you’ll be able to get your money’s worth in terms of tears shed, backbiting, Andrew Bynum-slurs, and whining about being the most maligned multimillionaire on Earth.

Ah, life in today’s NBA.

~0~

by MC

By now, a lot of you reading this article would have probably already read many others in relation to the Chris Benoit case. I for one, am exceedingly disappointed that investigators managed to prove that Benoit had, in all likelihood, murdered his spouse, their son, and then killed himself, last weekend. For someone who had painted such a respectable image of himself amongst his peers, this comes as, understandably, a huge shock.

In this blog, I recently paid tribute to the man as matter of honoring his in-ring and purported back stage poise. I shall continue to hold Chris Benoit in high regard when it comes to being an entertainer. That will not change, irregardless of the further findings made in this sordid situation. His personal life is a whole other matter which, evidently, all of us who have borne witness to the unfolding of this tragedy over the last couple of days, never knew enough about to possibly form conclusive judgments about the “Rabid Wolverine”’s “true” character.

For all the crap he’s slung at us on-screen in the last couple of years, Vince McMahon was right about one thing he said in a brief statement aired over network television moments prior to the beginning of this week’s “ECW on Sci Fi”. There, the WWE Chairman alluded to the fact that right now, we ought to go on with our lives, and allow those in his stable to do what they do best- entertain the heck out of us. This does bring into the spotlight, though, the need to accurately define what “entertainment” is. Where do we draw the lines on things being there for “entertainment value”, and things existing as a matter of them being rooted in debauchery? It’s difficult to say, consider all the intrinsic factors involved, plus those of an external nature, stemming from the right of every person on the planet to his/her own personal opinions. I believe that it is the right of every media consumer, and furthermore, that of every media stakeholder, to listen to what is in demand, but at the same time, be able to filter what is given out in response to those supposed “demands”. Is what is in “demand” what merely what the people “want”, and not what they “need”? Can’t there be equilibrium, in the sense that the people get something which is a synthesis of both concepts of giving, and receiving?

Many have questioned the sports entertainment business for a long time, and so they should. The fact that anyone bothers to question the quality of sports entertainment, for me, is indicative of a 3-prong reality:

-People are pro-active. People, despite all of the mean stunts they can pull, want peace of mind at the end of the day.

-Those in power tend to get blinded by wealth, and, invariably, blind to the real requirements of him/herself, and those of his/her fellowmen.

-Those who are “forced” or “coerced” into carrying out deeds which lead to corruption can be both forgiven, and condemned. The median in terms of responding to frontliners in this case would be to simply doubt. Doubt is a powerful thing. The moment you doubt, you neither burn, nor absolve. You neither make yourself open to purging, nor chastizement. You simply nudge the foundation of what is accepted as real, and hope, and pray, that it will gravitate over to a moral side  not only by popular demand, but also in accordance to the whims of the common good.

What do YOU think? Whatever you happen to believe, I will respect your view. That’s what our lives should be about anyway- respect due, and respect accorded to.

~0~

by MC

In the last day or so, many (conflicting) reports have surfaced in the media as to the circumstances surrounding the untimely demise of WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, his wife, and his seven year old son.  In a way, it was to have been expected that the media would pounce on this story like sharks on a feeding frenzy, but then, one would’ve expected that they’d be a little more responsible about it then they are proving to be, at this juncture.

As of this piece’s writing, toxicology tests have not yet been completed on Chris Benoit, nor have they been completed on Nancy, his wife, or their son. Ergo, it would be totally pointless, and irresponsible, to assume that any one of them was “under the influence” over the past weekend, when the killings occurred.

Although there have been confirmed reports made about Nancy Benoit being bound when her body was found, and about Bibles being found near the bodies of all three victims, such still does not paint a full picture of why this all happened, and how. WWE.COM has also released information on the final text messages sent by Chris Benoit to some colleagues. 4 out of 5 of the messages which were sent out contained the fallen grappler’s home address, and the other contained information about where his dogs purportedly were kept, and about a”garage side door” being open. Could Chris have thought this all out, for whatever reason, such that “wanting to be found” was part of the plan? No one has the right to judge, with finality, at this point, what his motives were, or what the motives of any of the other individuals involved were. We can all come up with a truckload of conjecture, but it must be emphasized that we must any theories that may in any way sound conclusive, for the most part, to ourselves. It would be extremely foolhardy, and, disrespectful, to so assuredly comment on something so sensitive, and something we know not fully about.

The facts that are on the table at this point suggest not only a plot thickening, but seemingly, a plot thickening, and spreading out, turning what could be said to be discernible motives, into something that, when put together, consitutes a convoluted web of intrigue that could very well ruin the image of the sport Benoit participated in, the media itself, and us, who choose to believe A, or B, or remain apathetic altogether.

It’s anybody’s best guess where this unfortunate tale will navigate to next, but one thing’s for certain- the WWE, in all likelihood, will never be the same. It’s one thing for former in-ring performers like Ray Traylor (The Big Boss Man), and Eddie Guerrero to have passed away due to sudden ailments incurred, but this situation is totally different. Legacies, instead of being celebrated, are being put into question, for valid reason or otherwise. No one can claim to be stating anything “indisputably right” at this stage, and as much as life may go on, as much as filmings and WWE promo campaigns and storylines can proceed- although slightly altered- as scheduled, this chain of events involving one of the true kings of the squared circle- the shock value of it all, the utter “say it aint so” effect it has had on everyone watching- will surely resonate for some time to come, even after final pronouncements on why, how, and when, are made.

P rayer never hurt anyone. Maybe such, directed towards us who feel overwhelming disquiet, towards us who cannot seem to find answers using accepted logic, would be a good recourse during these days defined by confusion, and heavy hearts adrift.

~0~

by MC

I took the Metrorail, like always, to my office this morning. As I stood and gazed at the sky from one of the train’s cabins, I received a text message from a dear friend and sports afficionado. The message read very simply:

“RIP, Chris Benoit…and it’s for real”.

Needless to say, I was deeply moved by the reality that message carried with it. The sporting world had lost yet another fiery competitor, and, if the comments of his colleagues are to be taken at face value, it can be said that, indeed, the world had lost another good person.

The former World Champion was found dead in his home along with his seven year old son, and wife Nancy. The cause of death has yet to have been determined by authorities. The original storyline behind this evening’s telecast of Monday Night Raw has been shelved. A 3 hour tribute to the man they called, “The Crippler” and “The Rabid Wolverine” will be aired in lieu of the regular Raw fare.

What comes next for the WWE after this tragedy? The “Big Boss Man” Ray Traylor passed away early this year, and in 2005, the hugely popular Eddie “Latino Heat” Guerrero passed away under equally shocking circumstances. For one thing, perhaps WWE writers could drop the Vince McMahon death gimmick, at least for the time being? Or maybe even for good? I believe that it would be exceedingly disrespectful for the WWE to continue making a joke of the supposed “death” of its patriarch. Vince was despicable to have made the concept of death so trivial, and the death of one of his company’s top stars should serve as a cold-water wake up call to him and other spin doctors in sports entertainment. The fact that that the Canadian wrestling legend’s death, and that of his kin, has been ruled to have been due to “double murder- suicide” only serves to further the importance of knowing how to draw the line between being a showman, and being an outright source of the corruption of the minds of many a media consumer.

Benoit, seen left, celebrating at the the tail end of Wrestlemania 22 with close friend and fellow former World Titlist, the late Eddie Guerrero, was said to have been dearly beloved by his colleagues in the pro-wrestling industry. One thing that can be said to be sure, though, beyond any doubt, would be the fact that the Rabid Wolverine was immensely respected by WWE fans. He carried himself with a semblance of class and dignity befitting a World Champion, and it’s no coincidence, I think, that he never quite did figure in ridiculous on-screen gimmicks like some of his peers (Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Big Show) did. Irregardless of what sport you follow, Benoit was one who not only asked for your admiration- he earned it. With every Dynamite Kid like flying headbutt, with every Crippler Crossface maneuver he dished out, he poured forth a type of intensity and unfettered competitive spirit that was representative of his technical ring acumen, and also the honor he bestowed upon the industry he worked in. For such a person to have existed in this day and age, in sports entertainment no less, was something to behold indeed. In a world of crack junkies, and potheads, and egoistic dimwits without any skill or face to show for, Chris Benoit’s strength of character was truly something to marvel at. Even to the fan who didn’t know any better about the financial side of sports entertainment, the side that had to do with wheeling and dealing, Benoit was clearly one who just went about his business, working to better himself in the execution of his craft rather than busying himself with matters which would probably seem rather trivial to the wrestling purists (movie deals? endorsing products that have nothing to do with the sport, etc.). Instead of whining and crying about not being in the main event, the Rabid Wolverine just did what he did best- run through his competition with an efficiency seemingly unparalleled in this generation.

Personally, next to Owen and Bret Hart, Benoit was probably my favorite grappler. How could you not respect a man who always meant business, who never wore a mask under the klieg lights, and who gave 120% every night (quite ironic that all three were trained in the famous “Dungeon” run by wrestling icon Stu Hart)? For all the hype behind more “manufactured” stars of today, people tend to forget that behind the face paint, behind the razzmatazz involved in a flashy entrance theme, inclusive of pyrotechnics, and a legendary rock band backing you up, and behind any sort of stupid, two-bit gimmick that would go so far as to play with the deepest sensibilities of people just to make a buck, lay people like The Rabid Wolverine, Chris Benoit. Sometimes, to survive, and yes, to be admired without looking like you crave it like a warm slice of pizza in the middle of a famine, you need to eschew thinking of how you can make a difference, and just go forth and do what you believe to be correct, and beneficial to the many. Whether or not Chris died in the way he did or not, we have to remember that with every loss, can arrive some form of gain, and in this case, the one thing we can draw from this ghastly tale is that since life is fragile, we have to sometimes quit thinking about the how’s and why’s behind each and every move we make, and simply, “conceive”, “believe”, and “achieve”. At the end of the day, it’s as basic as that. It’s as austere a fact as just doing a 9 to 5 without whining, and without being prissy, and just going about our responsibilities without becoming pushovers to the more destructive forces that reside in the modern world. It’s a matter of doing a 9 to 5 believing you’re the best, but not flaunting it for the whole world to see. It’s a matter of letting actions, speak louder than words.

We’ll miss you, Chris. As a wrestling fanatic, and as a person, I’d like to thank you for showing us so much good in the short time you were with us. You truly touched many a life for the better. May you rest in peace.

Billy Joel was right- only the good do die young. The key word in that phrase, ladies in gentlemen, contrary to popular belief, is “GOOD” and not “DIE”, or “YOUNG”.

We must take, but not want. Whatever we’ve lost, whatever we want, we can “take back again”, so long as we retain a strong sense of belief in correctness, passion, and pride.

That’s as “real a deal” as I’ve ever come across in my young life.

~0~

by MC

If you’re a fan of professional wrestling,  it would incredibly pointless, at this juncture, to say,

“I knew so.”

Why? Because there’s a 99.9% chance that you and I DIDN’T know so.

At the recently concluded WWE Veageance: Night of Champions, we became witness to the crowning of a new Women’s Champion in Candice Michelle, Edge retaining the World Heavyweight Championship against Batista in less than flattering fashion, and the decimation of Ric Flair at the hands of the brash Montell Vontavious Porter.

Oh yeah, John Cena managed to win “against the odds” yet again. Big surprise there.

The real shocker of the evening, however, was former “MNM” member Johnny Nitro winning the ECW World Heavyweight Title.

Fans in attendance, and the millions watching on pay-per-view were primed to witness a battle between Chris Benoit and CM Punk for ECW’s top prize.

Internet reports have cited The Crippler’s absence as something that had taken place due to “personal reasons”. Whether this is kayfabe, or real, has not been determined as of yet.

In any event, I think it’s a progressive move, on the part of the WWE, to give a young gun a world title. As much as we all love guys like Batista, Triple H, and Lashley, you, the fan, would later be placed under the impression that the WWE is a tad “boring” and “stagnant” because of the fact that they don’t allow for ”sharing of the wealth” as much as they ought to. I think the Great Khali, for one, should have won something by now, and the same goes for A-gamers like Chris Masters, CM Punk (who will get his so long as he stays in ECW), and Elijah Burke (same case as with CM Punk). Johnny Nitro’s victory at Vengeance is a breath of fresh air in a federation that was beginning to smell musty.

Most people would be led to assume that eventually, Chris Benoit will probably rain on the main billed as an “A-lister”. Despite that, it can be said that in the last 24 hours, we’ve witnessed the birth of a star, the rise of a man who, for all intents and purposes, ought to figure in many a storyline in the years to come.

Of course, almost nothing is set in stone in the world of Sports Entertainment. Whatever happens, I know that at least for now, I’m pulling for Johnny, because he’s new, he’s hip, and yes, his name, without the extra “n” and “y”, and him, with a little less hair and a little more bulk, would’ve been too boring for anyone to endure.

Roll out the red carpet, whip out the champagne, for professional wrestling fans everywhere really do have reason to celebrate (even a wee bit, just a wee bit).

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