Netherrealm Studios has released a new HD gameplay trailer featuring a montage showcase of fan-favorite fighter, Scorpion!
The video shows off a wide array of the ninja spectre's trademark moves, weaved effortlessly into combo attacks by Mortal Kombat's new fighting engine. Amongst the bone breaking blows dealt are transitions into Tag Team attacks, X-Ray specials, and the first glimpse of Scorpion's Hellfire Backflip Kick, introduced originally in Deadly Alliance.
Scorpion's entrance in the video also features chilling new dialogue, revelling in his infernal origins with a stern warning to any of the unlucky combatants appearing later in the clip. It is unclear if this is simply part of a match entrance, or perhaps a glimpse into the much touted story mode, about which we know very little.
Find the video embedded above, or watch it on Gamespot.com.
Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1283
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/24
#1 The Big Show [--] (32-14-2)(WWE: Smackdown)
It was a clean sweep for Team Smackdown this week as Big Show led the group to victories on RAW, Smackdown, and the Bragging Rights PPV this weekend. Show survived a team battle royal as well as the fourteen-man elimination tag match he captained to pick up a triple threat of victories, fighting alongside Kayfabe Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston. Big Show's reign as upper most victorious wrestler of 2010 isn't yet secured, but the former Tag Team Champion, whose movie Knucklehead opened in select theatres over the weekend, looks assured to be the face of WWE Smackdown since it's move to SyFy. With the Undertaker buried alive and Kane standing tall as World Heavyweight champion, one wonders if Big Show won't refocus his attention on gold in the coming months, assuming the Phenom stays down, of course...
#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (32-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (28-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (27-15-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [+2] Drew McIntyre (26-25-3) (WWE)
#6 [+4] Cody Rhodes (25-14-2) (WWE)
#7 [-2] R-Truth (24-18-4) (WWE)
#8 [-2] The Miz (24-27-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#9 [-1] AJ Styles (23-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#10 [-1] Kane (23-14-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-15-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (14-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-10-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-2-0) (WWE)
#6 [+3] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (7-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [-2] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#9 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)
Superstar Spotlight:#71 Undertaker (8-5-1) (WWE)
He's been one of the most enduring characters in WWE's modern history and it's that longevity over two decades that has many commentators and fans speculating about his pending retirement. The "Deadman" has been battling half-brother Kane through a series of matches that recall the highpoints of his flamboyant existence, bringing back the special effects and trademark match stipulations that made The Undertaker a stand-out performer during the gimmick-laden boom period of the Attitude Era. A welcome change of pace in today's bland product, even if it struggled to live up to the classics.
After surviving mythological showdowns, Hell in a Cell, and the betrayal of his manager, Paul Bearer; The Undertaker succumbed to yet another indignity when he was buried alive by Kane and the members of Nexus after seemingly reigniting the flame of his otherworldly powers. Though buried, a bolt of lightning promised The Undertaker's spirit would remain with the WWE Universe for some time. It's not the first time Undertaker has lost a match of this type, afterall, with each defeat usually signifying some sort of transformative experience. The only questions that remain now are -- when will the deadman rise again, and in what form?...
Special Note: Includes results from WWE: Bragging Rights Pay-Per-View, where John Cena (#12) and David Otunga (#34) won the Tag Team Championships in an impromptu title challenge.
The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/17
#1 The Big Show [--] (29-14-2)(WWE: Smackdown)
Big Show's grip on the top spot is slipping after a few well timed defeats, but his Kayfabe Countdown competition will be working with him, not against, assuming teams remain the same for the inter-brand gimmick Pay-Per-View, Bragging Rights. The Big Show is set to captain a team currently consisting of Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston; Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto del Rio, Edge, and Smackdown new face, Tyler Reks. They'll battle for bragging rights against a RAW team featuring The Miz as captain, Sheamus, R-Truth, John Morrison, Santino Marella, and CM Punk. The fourteen man tag match, (which Smackdown won last year), will feature October 24th, which is also when Show's new feature film, Knucklehead, opens in select theatres.
#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (29-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (25-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (25-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] R-Truth (24-17-4) (WWE)
#6 [+1] The Miz (24-24-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#7 [-1] Drew McIntyre (23-24-3) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [+2] AJ Styles (22-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#9 [--] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#10 [-2] Cody Rhodes (22-13-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-14-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (13-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-9-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (7-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#6 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#7 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [--] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#9 [--] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)
Superstar Spotlight:#26 Jeff Hardy (16-8-4) (TNA)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Under a cloud of controversy, Jeff Hardy emerged from last weekend's Bound for Glory triple threat match wearing his first major championship in TNA, the World Heavyweight title! The victory came as Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett and Hardy revealed themselves to be the mysterious "They" who had been commanding the psyche of TNA's unstable monster, Abyss. A twist of fate which included retroactive confirmation that Hardy had endorsed a brutal attack on his former ally and contemporary, Rob Van Dam (#14), and welcomed interference that secured him his first TNA title reign!
Hardy made a name for himself as one of WWE's biggest babyfaces during the decline of the Attitude Era, earning the respect of fans with highflying daring in ladder matches and others of that sort. With brother Matt, he became one of the premiere tag team competitors in WWF, besting the Dudley Boyz and other top teams. Jeff eventually emerged as a singles competitor, and after a stint in TNA during the mid-2000s; Hardy returned to WWE where he received the main event push many felt he was long overdue. As a top championship holding babyface he became one of the biggest names in the industry, but chose to leave WWE in 2009 despite these incredible highs. Drug related charges soon followed, but it seems Jeff has overcome these obstacles, rising to the top of TNA as a free man, and new TNA Heavyweight Champion. The question remains: will his new heel persona take off with the fans, or have TNA squandered one of their biggest aquisitions? Time will tell.
Special Note: After a month of speculation, Matt Hardy (#62) has officially been released from his WWE contract. In controversial Twitter remarks he has alluded to his goals to join either TNA or Ring of Honor, but is yet to be attached to either company. He will presumably be bound by a ninety day no-compete clause, which will prevent him wrestling in the U.S. for that length of time.
The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wrestling: Kayfabe Countdown - 10/10
#1 The Big Show [--](29-13-2) (WWE)
After suffering a handicap defeat against the combined might of The Nexus during Smackdown's live return to SyFy; Big Show has now been announced as the leader of Team Smackdown going in to the inter-brand competitive Pay-Per-View, Bragging Rights.
The Nexus typically reside on RAW, but have operated as a rogue element, happy to decimate superstars from both brands at any given opportunity. How they will factor into the show, or the fourteen-man tag match Big Show will captain in, remains to be seen. Also remaining to be seen is the new WWE produced film, Knucklehead. Starring Big Show, it hits theatres in limited release on the 23rd and 24th, and can be ordered on Blu-Ray and DVD. Big Show stars alongside Denis Farina and others as a gentle giant who burns down his orphanage, in what looks to be a formulaic comedy that takes advantage of the growing MMA scene. Fair enough.
#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (28-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [+1] Rey Mysterio (24-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [-1] Randy Orton (24-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] R-Truth (23-17-4) (WWE)
#6 [+2] Drew McIntyre (23-23-3) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-1] The Miz (23-24-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#8 [+2] Cody Rhodes (22-12-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-2] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heayweight Champion]
#10 [-1] AJ Styles (21-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-4-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (12-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [+1] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [-1] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-9-0) (WWE)
#5 [+1] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (7-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#6 [-1] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#7 [+2] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#9 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)
Superstar Spotlight:#23 Kurt Angle (16-7-3) (TNA)
Despite only debuting for WWF in 1999, Kurt Angle is one of the most storied and acclaimed superstars professional wrestling has ever seen. His Grecco-Roman grappling style complimented a pro wrestling adaptation without impediment, culminating in a rise of intensity throughout 2002 that made him, I believe, the prototype for the ultimate wrestler. Alongside the likes of Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Benoit, he was at the forefront of a changing design in mainstream professional wrestling that has not been rivalled since. In 2006; Angle's departure from WWE and subsequent signing with TNA was a massive shock, and boosted TNA's in-ring credentials while WWE veered away from the match quality that had made Kurt Angle the highest paid asset in the business.
Kurt Angle is now following in the footsteps of various other wrestling contemporaries, hoping to emulate the success of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson by entering the world of film. He has just renewed his contract with TNA, but is expected to appear in a slate of six films in 2011, including Warrior, in which he plays an MMA champion. On that note, it was on this week's episode of the Right After Wrestling radio show that Angle revealed he took and passed the UFC entrance test. Despite having accomplished so much, it seems Kurt Angle still has plenty of ambition left, with the vague potential for an MMA transition in the future. He was unlucky in the Bound for Glory triple threat championship match, where Jeff Hardy broke the deadlock of their first two epic encounters by joining up with the sinister forces of upper management. Angle promised he'd retire if he lost the match, but under the circumstances, which included Ken Anderson being pinned, I'd think Kurt will fight on!
Special Note: This week's Countdown includes results from the TNA: Bound for Glory Pay-Per-View where Tara (#56) and Jeff Hardy (#24) captured the Knockouts and World Heavyweight Championship belts. WWE: NXT no longer contributes.
The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events. Dedicated to the memory of T. Haseloff (1991-2009): the best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Repost: Bound for Glory Predictions
Triple Threat World Heavyweight Championship match
Mr. Anderson vs Kurt Angle vs Jeff Hardy
I can't help but feel this match is in the middle of two better situations. With RVD on the card elsewhere, there's a big part of me that wishes this could've been evened out to a four-way to keep the title from being officially stripped. It's an ugly and unnecessary decision that will marr the records, an RVD loss would be superior. At the same time, on the flipside, I can't help but feel a one-on-one bout between Angle and Hardy was a much purer attraction, even if a potentially sticky affair given Kurt Angle's on-going claim that a loss will end his career.
I'm not an Anderson fan and I simply cannot entertain the notion of his winning the top gold. Angle already has the most reigns as champ in the post-NWA title era, with three officially recognised reigns, one of those a combined two-fer. He can't lose, but winning asks a lot, so I would expect one of the others to pin the other, avoiding Angle's early retirement whilst naming a new champ. It seemed, for a while, Jeff Hardy's legal issues would keep him out of that predicament, but with the situation resolving itself and the next PPV poster boasting a solo shot of the big draw, I'm gonna put my chips down on Hardy's title win. I'm just not convinced by Anderson's credentials, even if that makes him the least predictable outcome. Hardy could enter a rematch program with RVD, which would probably be fun. Although, on that same note, the attraction of Hardy/Angle due to their never having fought probably rolls on to Angle/RVD, too. Fingers crossed there's no wacky swerve to delay a champ being named.
Prediction: Jeff Hardy
Monster's Ball match
Rob Van Dam vs Abyss
As already mentioned, I think it's a real shame to have RVD fit to fight on this card, while his title goes on the line in another match. Aftermath from being brutalized by Abyss' nail encrusted 2X4 would presumably give him a weakened out, but an unconvincing defense is better than no defense at all! That aftermath will presumably play a role in a match that's got the weight of other storylines on it, namely Abyss' mounting feud with Dixie Carter and the mysterious influence of 'them.' RVD's only had one loss from his nineteen televised matches, but I would think the smartest option here is to convert his weakness to an easily justified loss. That's not necessarily what will happen, particularly with those hardcore stips (which are billed as an Abyss trademark, but hand the perfect out to beat a monster). Maybe RVD gets the assist from his ECW buddies?
Prediction: Abyss
Ten Man Lethal Lockdown match
Fourtune (AJ Styles, Kazarian, Matt Morgan, Robert Roode, James Storm) vs
EV 2.0 (Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Rhino, Sabu, Stevie Richards)
It was easy to criticize the early Hogan/Bischoff decision to turn AJ Styles heel with a Nature Boy Jr gimmick. It seemed tired and part of a sweeping disregard for what TNA Had done under old management. The irony is that [Ric] Flair's team has grown to effectively represent the pure TNA Originals! With that fact in mind, I'm never quite sure who to cheer here. Quantity service for the big show. EV 2.0 haven't had a lot of luck in their clashes with TNA stalwarts, but then, isn't that spirit of the loser underdog what ECW was all about? I don't know where they intend to go with EV 2.0, and in the absence of a swerve, they might as well just aim to hurt someone.
Preiction: Team Fourtune
X-Division Championship match
Douglas Williams vs Jay Lethal (c)
Wacky antics during the month as Jay Lethal dropped the X-title for a couple of nights to Amazing Red via a hometown house show. Didn't do a lot of favours to the belt. Would be a real misstep to drop the belt off Lethal again so quickly. Douglas Williams was an awesome champ, but the best case scenario here is a high quality job, for the good of the strap.
Prediction: Jay Lethal
Tag Team Championship match
Generation Me vs Motor City Machine Guns (c)
Having the wholesome second-coming of the Hardy Boyz turn heel at such an early stage in their TNA rise really surprised me, but it clearly hasn't hurt their trajectory. The clean living Young Bucks (Max and Jeremy; GenMe) are more seasoned than they look, and with silky smooth tag team high flying, have all the chutzpah to make it work down the line when they've put some more yards in, I think. With the vacated belt up for grabs in the main event, I'd hate to see an arbitrary title change. Keep the Bucks in the hunt, but let Sabin and Shelley continue to wear the belts proudly.
Prediction: Motor City Machine Guns
Tag Team Handicap match
Sting, Kevin Nash & D'Angelo Dinero vs Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe
Despite a couple of false starts, Samoa Joe continues to loiter in the mid-card. The on-going feud between Jarrett and Nash/Sting runs the risk of getting real tired, but a recent interview spotlight of opposing views gave the Nash side of things a great short in the arm. To borrow the metaphor, one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. I like the philosophy behind the battle, but it seems a shame to drag Joe and The Pope into the battle. BFG isn't quite Wrestlemania, so I'd be willing to give the bad guys better than even odds.
Prediction: Sting, Kevin Nash & The Pope
Four Corners Knockouts Championship match
Velvet Sky vs Madison Rayne vs Tara vs Angelina Love (c)
The Beautiful People have a stranglehold on the women's slot, it seems, as the likes of Sarita, and the Knockouts Tag champs (Taylor Wilde & Hamada), remain off the big card. A change would do them good, but this should at least be an acceptable showdown. Not sure where they're going.
Prediction: Angelina Love
Tag Team match
Eric Young & Orlando Jordan vs Ink Inc.
On paper, I'm not sure it should work, but Eric Young's wackiness and Jordan's... tackiness have a weird way of gelling. Internatioinal audiences will be a lot more familiar with what's going down here, which is something I appreciate. TNA critics and so-called experts should make an effort to be informed. Presumably there'll be a tag opening, particularly with London Brawling still missing in action (despite a Desmond Wolfe appearance on Xplosion). I'd like to see Neal/Moore get the shot, but you never know, and neither does Eric Young.
Prediction: Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (Ink Inc)
The Kayfabe Countdown: TNA Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.
#1 AJ Styles [+1] (Television Champion)
#2 Rob Van Dam [-1]
#3 Kurt Angle [+1]
#4 Jeff Hardy [+1]
#5 Abyss [-2]
#6 Robert Roode [--]
#7 Ken Anderson [RE]
#8 Velvet Sky [-1]
#9 James Storm [-1]
#10 "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero [RE]
#1 Robert Roode & James Storm [--]
#2 Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin [--] (Tag Team Champions)
#3 Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne [--]
#4 Hernandez & Matt Morgan [--]
#5 Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal [--]
Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9059833
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/3
#1 The Big Show [--](29-13-2) (WWE)
Big Show got the weekend off while fellow big-men, Undertaker and Kane, were featured at the Hell in a Cell PPV event. He was present for Smackdown's debut live broadcast on SyFy this week, however, where he suffered defeat at the hands of RAW's rookie quintet, The Nexus. One wonders if this might be pointing toward the October 24 Bragging Rights show, which will pit wrestlers from the two brands against each other. In the past few months, The Nexus has taken the opportunity to spoil various Smackdown events on PPV, including IC bouts involving Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston. Ziggler was on the receiving end of a similar attack, along with MVP, on Smackdown. Might an alliance led by the Big Show be building? We shall see!...
#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (28-19-2) (WWE)
#3 [+2] Randy Orton (24-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#4 [-1] Rey Mysterio (23-11-3) (WWE)
#5 [-1] R-Truth (23-16-4) (WWE)
#6 [--] The Miz (23-23-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#7 [+1] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#8 [+1] Drew McIntyre (22-23-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [+1] AJ Styles (21-9-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#10 [new] Cody Rhodes (21-12-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-13-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (12-13-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-8-0) (WWE)
#4 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (9-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#5 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#6 [+3] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (6-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#7 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#8 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#9 [RE] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (6-3-0) (WWE)
#10 [-2] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)
Superstar Spotlight:#13 Christian (20-20-1) (WWE)
2010 was shaping up to be a good year for Christian! He started it with gold as reigning ECW Champion, and enjoyed a string of successful defenses of the strap before ECW was dissolved in February, and the title was won by Ezekiel Jackson on the final show. He subsequently appeared on RAW by default, later traded to Smackdown, where he remained an active component in the Intercontinental Championship race as one of the bigger names on the depleted post-draft show. His success rate earlier in the year saw him remain at the top of the Kayfabe Countdown for several months, with a win/loss percentage that went unrivalled until the middle of the year, after a string of defeats in big game matches.
Most recently, he was set to begin a feud with hotshot recruit, Alberto del Rio (#110), better known as Mexican legacy luchador, Dos Caras Jr. So esteemed is Del Rio that he claimed Rey Mysterio as his first scalp, with Christian set to develop as his first feuding buddy. Alas; a torn pectoral muscle has put Christian on the sidelines and forced Mysterio back from the injury bench prematurely.
Christian has long been identified as one of the unsung heroes of the WWE brand, described in hyperbole as a talent with the wrong face for Vince McMahon's vision of TV wrestling. It was arguably his tenure in TNA that truly canonized his status, thanks to two reigns as then-NWA World Heavyweight Champion! Personally, I enjoyed the platform his character was given in a time when TNA had a better eye for the sports side of modern mainstream wrestling, aka; "sports entertainment".
Special Note: As of the September 28 episode of WWE NXT, the show will no longer air in the United States, reverting to an online only programme. For the time being, this will disqualify future NXT results from being included in the Kayfabe Countdown. This week's Countdown includes results from the WWE: Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View.
The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: NXT, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events. Shout out to Kron!
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Repost: Hell in a Cell Predictions
Hell in a Cell World Heavyweight Championship match
The Undertaker vs Kane (c)
This unsurprising rematch comes loaded with the Smackdown return of Paul Bearer, and the restoration of The Undertaker's legendary mystic powers. Some critics have scoffed the heavy fiction of the feud, but personally, I am refreshed by this return to characters and big gimmicks. That said, in revisiting tapes of their legendary encounters through '97 and '98, I'm reminded how much more compelling this was the first time around, when the entire promotion supported big, fictionalized characters engaged in larger storylines than today's equivalents.
A legitimate one-on-one encounter in the Hell in a Cell is the one match we never really saw Kane and Undertaker go at it in. In that respect, it has something fresh going for it. How they will make use of the structure, which was made famous early with dangerous bumps performed by Shawn Michaels and Mick "Mankind" Foley, is a bit of a mystery to me, though. Undertaker's resilience as a performer never ceases to amaze, but it's difficult to imagine either seven footer going for the high spots their dimensional, younger counterparts did. HIAC matches have proven there are plenty of methods to go about this business, such as the legendary 2002 No Mercy encounter between the Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. If WWE can lighten their stance on blood, that might be the brand of match that sells the significance and threatening nature of this special event. Bonus points if they can scar up Kane, who's lacked the awe of his earlier masked incarnations for a long time now.
Theories abound say this won't be the last stop for the reunion feud. Rumors of an upcoming Buried Alive match set the stage for significant escalation, while the prospect of a Kane streak leading to Wrestlemania puts a twist on always anticipated preparations for Undertaker's legendary undefeated run at the big show. If it means the return of the classic 'Taker gimmicks, I say the more the merrier!
Prediction: Undertaker
Hell in a Cell WWE Championship match
Sheamus vs Randy Orton (c)
As of last year, Undertaker actually had one less victory and two more defeats in the Cell than Triple H. The numbers might not back it up, but I still think of the match as an Undertaker trademark, due in no small part to the depth of his feuds that led to these matches. The HIAC gimmick has appeared at least once a year since it's 1997 introduction, but until last year, it hadn't been a pre-announced fixture of any show. By staging multiple Cell matches in a single night, with the primary motivation being a calendar set agreement, I feel it strips the match of it's majesty and integrity. Case in point, the barren lead-up to Sheamus' rematch against Randy Orton. Orton picked up the belt last month in a six-pack elimination and I wouldn't expect them to go back on it that quickly. The only way the bout will redeem itself is if the younger, more able athletes are able to do something in the Cell we haven't seen in a while.
Prediction: Randy Orton
Nexus Membership or Disbanding match
John Cena vs Wade Barrett
If Cena wins, Nexus must disband. If Barrett wins, the posterboy of the PG-era must be their slave.
It's not a bad build-up for a mid-card bout, but with Barrett still wrestling a little underdone, and the adventures of Cena always a little bland, this isn't exciting me. Ironically, with the menace of the four other members of The Nexus, you would think this match at least had a bigger reason to be caged off by a Cell, but it's not to be. I can only hope that's to keep the deck stacked against Cena, who will no doubt spend the next month looking for an out if he is absorbed into the rookie group.
Prediction: Wade Barrett
Triple Threat Submission Falls Count Anywhere US Championship match
The Miz vs John Morrison vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Convoluted doesn't begin to explain this awkward match! While it's nice to see him get a guernsey, the most unnecessary aspect of the match might be Morrison, whose heat with former-partner The Miz is a distant memory. I'd rather see an honest one-on-one between the competent mat work of the US champ and his feuding buddy and former-champ, Miz. Adding the "anywhere" stipulation has the bonus of guaranteeing a finish with nowhere to run, but given that a submission match is usually no DQ, it makes me long for the days when they had a little garbage hardcore on the card. The rules and double-face of Morrison/Bryan seems to suggest a heel win, but it would be a mistake to take the belt from Bryan a month after his win.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan
WWE Unified Divas Championship match
Natalya Neidhart vs Michelle McCool (c)
I didn't catch how the belt transferred from Layla to McCool. It's neat to see Neidhart finally breaking away from valet/tag duty with the Hart Dynasty, who've been unfortunately sacrificed for the sake of an unimpressive makeshift pairing (McIntyre/Rhodes). I don't know how graceful the bout will be, but at least it's something new. Hopefully at least one other match surprises on the show.
Prediction: Michelle McCool
The Kayfabe Countdown: WWE Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.
#1 The Big Show [--]
#2 Kofi Kingston [--]
#3 Rey Mysterio [--]
#4 Randy Orton (WWE Champion) [+2]
#5 R-Truth [-1]
#6 The Miz [-1]
#7 Drew McIntyre (Tag Team Champion) [new]
#8 Cody Rhodes (Tag Team Champion) [new]
#9 Kane (World Heavyweight Champion) [--]
#10 Michelle McCool (Divas Champion) [-3]
#1 Tyson Kidd & DH Smith [--]
#2 Layla & Michelle McCool [--]
#3 Big Show & The Miz [--]
#4 Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (Tag Team Champions) [new]
#5 Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov [-1]
Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9058662
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Infinite Wars: Batwoman vs Alice
BATWOMAN versus ALICEElegy Part 2: Misterioso (DC)
Where: Detective Comics #855 When: September 2009 Why: Greg Rucka How: JH Williams III
The Story So Far...
Inspired by an encounter with the Batman, Kate Kane joins the Gotham City masked vigilante fraternity as Batwoman! Adventuring alongside her lover and ally, The Question, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involved Intergang and a mysterious text called the Book of Crime.
The Question soon uncovers a disturbing prophecy that declares the "twice named daughter of Kane" will suffer a brutal end. An end she only narrowly escaped, having to survive mortal wounds inflicted during a sacrificial ceremony under Intergang's leader, Bruno Mannheim. Recovered; Batwoman returns to Gotham's streets and rooftops to pursue the thirteen covens of the Religion of Crime. An act that brings her into conflict with the newest leader of the criminal zealots - Alice!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2009/07/batwoman-versus-alice-elegy-part-2.html
Monday, September 27, 2010
Comics: The Mask Omnibus Vol.1
In 1994, a CGI effects extravaganza hit the big screen, and for it's time, The Mask was a pretty decent action-comedy. The movie introduced the world to Cameron Diaz, Cuban Pete, and delighted families with the cartoon antics of Jim Carrey's mystically empowered Stanley Ipkiss. Little did those families know, they were inviting into their hearts a homocidal world of murder, mayhem, and crime-fiction.The PG persuasions of the film fall away pretty quickly in the comic book original published by Dark Horse Comics. Conceptually envisioned by publisher, Mark Richardson, and brought to life by the crack team of John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke; "Big Head" first appeared serialized in the pages of the appropriately titled athology series, Mayhem (1989), before assaulting four issues of his own mini-series in 1991 in, The Mask.
More Joker than Tex Avery; the comic book Mask has all the mania and hilarity of the film, channelled through the meanstreak you'd expect of an id-empowering magic in the modern world. It possesses a hard edge easily associated with the grim 'n' gritty trends of the eighties, but the first volume Omnibus from Dark Horse also packs The Mask Returns and The Mask Strikes Back into it's 300-plus pages, with a continuous saga that ends with a more bombastic flavour akin to the nineties. Stylistically and visually, it's certainly a book that reminds us they don't make 'em like they used to, particularly if you're conscientious of the fact that there were breaks between issues and mini-series. No mollycoddling in those days!
A bastardly Stanley Ipkiss doesn't get too far past the first fifty pages, but by then, you should be clicked into this blood-spattered four-colour world that his antique store mask has opened up, enough to not care about the movie. Don't mind the spoiler, either! The original is as much about the human condition as it is the insane action, and over-the-top crime drama that unfolds as a result. The attitude of the early work, in particular, possesses the kind of colourfully callous self-interest that suggests both youth in the now seasoned writer/artist combo, as well as arrogantly simpler times of the Reagan era.
Top cop, Lt. Kellaway, remains a constant throughout the entire span of the Omnibus, with the delightfully ludicrous Walter adding a touch of Dick Tracy to the backdrop of mafiosos. In comics right now, it's fashionable to laud strong female characters. Kathy -- Ipkiss' jilting girlfriend -- adds dimension to a blonde co-conspirator that the Diaz film character lacked. In fact, Kathy gets her hands dirty throughout Returns, as both vixen, and 'SUPER-HERO!!!'
I've always been a bit of a grouch when it comes to collected trades. I'm a monthly floppy comic reader and that's the artform and format I appreciated. Yet, when financial times are tough, or for works that are difficult to acquire naturally, I'm happy to make exceptions. Of the exceptions I've made recently, The Mask Omnibus Vol. 1 has been one of my favourite!
It's a fantastic shot of nostalgia, but with a dynamism that justifies it unto itself. The staggered serial nature of the material lends a delicious tone of stream-of-consciousness style writing that appeals greatly to my sensibilities, and is a rarity of modern comics. I strongly recommend checking out the preview available on Amazon.com, and if you're so inclined, using the purchase link provided stage-left [your right]!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 9/26
#1 The Big Show (29-12-2) (WWE)As Smackdown makes the move to SyFy, Big Show is among the headlining talents WWE will push to garner audience interest. This has been reflected by a string of victories over former top-champ CM Punk, which culminated last week in a odd-one-out match at the Pay-Per-View, WWE: Night of Champions. His success will no doubt continue as he carries the load of the mid-card, beneath the efforts of Kane and Undertaker, who seem unlikely to end the year at that position. A title shot might be in the future?...
#2 Kofi Kingston (27-19-2) (WWE)
#3 Rey Mysterio (23-11-3) (WWE)
#4 R-Truth (23-16-4) (WWE)
#5 Randy Orton (22-14-4) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#6 The Miz (22-22-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#7 Michelle McCool (21-12-0) (WWE) [Womens Champion]
#8 Kane (21-13-3) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#9 Drew McIntyre (21-22-3) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#10 AJ Styles (20-9-5) (TNA) [TV Champion]
#1 Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-12-0) (WWE)
#2 Robert Roode & James Storm (12-12-2) (TNA)
#3 Layla & Michelle McCool (10-7-0) (WWE)
#4 Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (9-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#5 Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#6 Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#7 Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#8 Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)
#9 Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (5-0-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#10 Hernandez & Matt Morgan (5-2-1) (TNA)
Superstar Spotlight:#102 Batista (4-11-6) (Not Signed)
With a WWE championship reign under his belt before he departed, you couldn't say the win/loss record of Dave Batista is in any way an accurate measure of his success. Before leaving to pursue other endeavours (such as acting, apparently), "The Animal" set about offending the sensibilities of every man, woman and child in the arena, by turning his nose up and walking away from competition. It was part of a persona that made him Smackdown's uber-heel, leading to a shady deal that ended John Cena's title reign at Elimination Chamber after mere minutes, when Mr. McMahon granted Batista a title shot straight after the titular match. It was his count out defeats and silent disdain for the audience that really elevated his final months to the plane of art, though.
It's been a bit of a game, since his May exit, to see how long Batista could remain in the top 100. The fall finally came at the end of last week, when Bryan Danielson captured his fifth WWE win and the US title belt at Night of Champions. Surpassed by Taylor Wilde after her successful tag title defense on Impact this week; it seems Batista is destined to tumble ever downward.
Special Note: Reports have revealed that Amazing Red (#116) has defeated Jay Lethal (#58) at a House Show on the 23rd to claim the TNA X-Division championship. The Kayfabe Countdown only acknowledges televised win/loss records, but will note the surprise belt change. Additional: Reports from a 25th House Show claim Jay regained the X-Division title! The match may be incorporated into the next Impact.
The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: NXT, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Secret Sounds: Night by Night
Chromeo - Night by Night (Live on The Late Show/2010)
New music that really grabs me is so rare these days, I tend to become somewhat obsessed by any track that tickles my fancy. Such has been the case since seeing Montreal based electrofunk double-act, Chromeo, who appeared recently on The Late Show with David Letterman performing their single, Night by Night. The eighties-infused track comes from their new album, Business Casual, and is my first really conscious introduction to them.
One of my largest quibbles with the pop music scene right now is it's insincere and shallow plundering of the pop eighties. The machine of the music industry has never felt colder in it's soulless appropriation of the past, despite the fact that we're on the other-end of nineties boy bands, and that it was the eighties that gave us this manufcatured pop in the first place.
In the nineties, I actually dared to miss the synth sound of the decade before, regularly wondering why it hadn't been kept alive adjacent to the movements relevant to that period. I suppose it's that fondness that has kept me open-minded enough to be receptive to the likes of Chromeo, whose sound feels honest, warm, and sincere.
Bounce back to 2004 and Chromeo's debut album, She's In Control, and you can see where that sincerity comes from. Drum machines and retro hip hop breakbeats were there ahead of the curve, blending into a sound just referencially post to the same distance as they were to the funkier side of acts like 2001's Daft Punk (Discovery).
Night by Night, for my money, strikes a more memorable pop chord, swelling with the production of 2010 to be the electro soundtrack to a hundred summer nights.
The only real complaint I have about this song is the fact that I've heard their live take on Letterman! It doesn't happen often, but the live version is just a bit better than the album, which slides through it's chorus with a little too much polish in the mix! Check out the vid and see what you think!
Love the (trademark) keyboard legs, and bonus points to Dave 1 for trading geek for chic in the live show with designer stubble and sunglasses at night! If you don't have this running through your head by the weekend, you can have your money back!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Repost: Night of Champions Predictions
Six-Pack Elimination WWE Championship match
Sheamus (c) vs Wade Barrett vs Edge vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Chris Jericho
The Nexus fizzled out at Summerslam, but it's still cool to see them finally pulling the trigger on Wade Barrett in the best way possible. Five other seasoned wrestlers should be able to carry the weight for any of his failings, making him a great insertion into a previously lagging WWE title hunt. His rise hasn't meant an escape from the Orton/Cena shadow, but just as numbers balance out Barrett, the effect of old hat is lessened. Orton is disturbingly close to some sort of push, but with any luck, it'll stay on Sheamus. Who knows what's going on with Chris Jericho and his on-again-off-again contract status. Hope he stays, but I can't see him picking the belt up, as pleasant a turn around as that would be. Guy just can't seem to get a legit hold on that main event mode! Edge has issues with the mystery General Manager, he might be the dark horse.
Prediction: Sheamus
No Holds Barred World Heavyweight Championship match
The Undertaker vs Kane (c)
The Undertaker has long been one of my favourite wrestlers, so it's hard not to be a little bit excited about a return to one of his most embellished feuds. Kane is a pale shadow of the former-self that started this feud in 1997, but it's hard to imagine them passing up the opportunity to continue it to next month's Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View, fulfilling the desire that was never realised in their heyday. If a HIAC match is on the horizon, then you'd reason it'll be one more month before Undertaker reaps his vengeance on his dastardly half-brother and World Champion.
Prediction: Kane
United States Championship match
Daniel Bryan vs The Miz (c)
Before his firing several months ago, Daniel Bryan had revealed his name to the "WWE Universe".
I don't know why he hasn't reverted to Bryan Danielson upon his return, but by any name he does remain one of the most interesting acquisitions WWE have made in recent years. Despite my relative disdain for The Miz, this is probably the match I'm most looking forward to. Denying Bryan the gold would be a downright travesty, but I can't help but feel that's exactly what lies ahead.
Prediction: The Miz
The Big Show vs CM Punk
Not really sure why this feud is being dragged out, especially with the Straight-Edge Society seemingly disintegrating, but whatever. I don't have any great problem with this being part of the undercard. Should be a decent match. Punk probably needs a win more, but I don't know...
Prediction: Big Show
Tag Team Championship match
The Hart Dynasty (c) vs Mystery Opponents
Not quite sure why there'd be unnamed opponents for this match. After a defeat on Smackdown, I would think Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes might have a shot, but your guess is as good as mine. The Usos are still lurking, and anybody watching the win/loss records will know that Santino & Kozlov have racked up an unlikely 6-0 win streak, which makes them one of the most successful WWE tag teams of the year. I'm not sure any of these teams deserve to take the belts from the Harts, but after charging toward the belts with intense momentum, WWE's tag team vaccuum has sapped their strength.
Prediction: Mystery Opponents
DQ Title Change Intercontinental Championship match
Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler (c)
I still can't believe Ziggler has the belt. It seemed inevitable he'd get there eventually, but I was ready to count that wait in years rather than months. As has been the case with a long line of rapidfire IC champs, it'd be adding injury to insult to rip the belt off him now. Kofi's had a couple of successive reigns already. Let's try to get some credibility back into this once great championship!
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler
Lumberjill Divas/Womens Championship Unification match
Michelle McCool (c) vs Melina (c)
Don't know, don't care. Merging the belts is long overdue!
Prediction: Michelle McCool
The Kayfabe Countdown: WWE Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.
#1 The Big Show [+1]
#2 Kofi Kingston [+1]
#3 Rey Mysterio [-2]
#4 R-Truth [+1]
#5 The Miz (United States Champion) [-1]
#6 Randy Orton [+4]
#7 Michelle McCool [+1]
#8 Christian [+1]
#9 Kane (World Heavyweight Champion) [new]
#10 Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Champion( [RE]
#1 DH Smith & Tyson Kidd (Tag Team Champions) [--]
#2 Layla & Michelle McCool [--]
#3 Big Show & The Miz [--]
#4 Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov [new]
#5 Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer [-1]
Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9053844
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Mortal Kombat: The Lost Kingdom of Aqua
I've recently been writing about and collecting information regarding a supposedly elusive unlockable Mortal Kombat character called Aqua.
MK is noted for it's secrets and wacky sense of humor, but this character seems to be the work of whichever studio handled the PlayStation port for Mortal Kombat Trilogy, specifically a late version, the Greatest Hits or Platinum Edition. Two magazine articles include screenshots, one from the Official UK PlayStation Magazine Beat 'em Up Special of 1999, and another from an Official Australian 2000 Collector's Edition: 100 Best PlayStation Games counterpart special by the same magazine. This might also suggest it was a PAL region exclusive.
With help, I was able to rip video of the character's ending sequence from a ROM, but haven't yet been able to unlock the character. I'm told it involves holding select whilst choosing Rain, but there must be some additional method to unlocking the character. Not surprising, given the lengths we've had to go to reach other characters in previous MK's, such as Meat and Noob in MK4, or Jade and Noob in MKII.
The only other video to emerge, so far, is amateur footage of the same ending sequence filmed (poorly) on a television. Not much of an addition, but we might as well start to pool all references in the one place. If you've stumbled upon this page, and you have additional info, please post it in the comments!
Edit July 2, 2011: Apparently a thumbnail screenshot has emerged from the darkened recesses of the web, which may have been partial inspiration for MUGEN creations based on the character. Edit November 6, 2011: Over on MKO, JiminyCroquet has identified the watermark as coming from a pre-Gamespot videogames.com, which explains the V. If anyone has the original fullsize image, contact me!!!
MK Aqua aka; Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot links:
- Mortal Kombat: They Don't Talk About HIM Anymore... [1up.com article]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy Aqua is Real!!! [Angefire site]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy: Super Unlockable Aqua Ending [YouTube video]
- Amateur MKT Treasures Ending TV Footage [Yfrog video]
- Aqua Wins [Soundbyte] [YouTube video]
- Official UK PlayStation Magazine 1999 Article [ImageShack jpeg]
- Aqua Gameplay Screenshot Thumbnail [ImageShack jpeg]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy [Wikipedia article]
- Secret character [MK Wikia]
- Rumored Mortal Kombat Characters [Compendium]
- Os lutadores "secretos" de Mortal Kombat [Portuguese Blog]
- Unlocking Aqua? [GameSpot Forums]
- You know who should really be in this game? [GameSpot Forums]
- Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot ending [GameSpot Forums]
- Unlocking Aqua? [GameFAQs Forums]
- Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot for Mortal Kombat 2011!! [Forum Post]
- Rumored Mortal Kombat Characters [Forum Post]
- Aqua in Trilogy [MKO Forums]
- When do yous think these characters will ever be offical? [MKO Forums]
- Rumor for MK10 [MK Wikia Blog]
Trying to keep up with Aqua info/references I'm finding. Thought it would be fun to try to keep track of tweets about him, too. Hit me up @TheMicker if you want, so I can add your tweet to the list.
Edit November 6, 2011: Still trying to keep up with any and all Aqua news/developments [tweet me if you've got something]! RoboMelvana has a video up with a quick preview of his MUGEN Aqua [1:47-2:48], which is pretty cool. It's a good start with some tweaks to come. Not quite 100% accurate, but you know how demanding us Aqua fanboys can be. Hope to see more like it!
Apparently a fan-art project is going to include Aqua in their drawn catalogue of characters, but not until some time next year, so I'll try to keep my eye out for that when it happens. If you weren't around earlier in the year, you might also like to find the Aqua reference in MKO's April Fools joke.
MK Aqua Fakes/Tributes
- Top Fighter 2011 II: World Battle [MUGEN]
- Top Fighter 2011 II: World Battle [MUGEN]
- sucky preview of top fighter 2000 mkviii 2: world battle [MUGEN]
- MKA KAF: Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot 1 [YouTube Video]
- MKA KAF: Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot 2 [YouTube Video]
- Mortal Kombat Aqua [DeviantART]
- Mortal Kombat Armageddon : Kreate a fighter [Forum Post]
MK Aqua on Twitter
- http://twitter.com/TRMK/status/38106471589883904
- http://twitter.com/#!/Clastichead/status/77758725640822784
- http://twitter.com/#!/Clastichead/status/88442936265687042
- http://twitter.com/#!/TravisColenutt/status/75771268691013632
MK is noted for it's secrets and wacky sense of humor, but this character seems to be the work of whichever studio handled the PlayStation port for Mortal Kombat Trilogy, specifically a late version, the Greatest Hits or Platinum Edition. Two magazine articles include screenshots, one from the Official UK PlayStation Magazine Beat 'em Up Special of 1999, and another from an Official Australian 2000 Collector's Edition: 100 Best PlayStation Games counterpart special by the same magazine. This might also suggest it was a PAL region exclusive.
With help, I was able to rip video of the character's ending sequence from a ROM, but haven't yet been able to unlock the character. I'm told it involves holding select whilst choosing Rain, but there must be some additional method to unlocking the character. Not surprising, given the lengths we've had to go to reach other characters in previous MK's, such as Meat and Noob in MK4, or Jade and Noob in MKII.
The only other video to emerge, so far, is amateur footage of the same ending sequence filmed (poorly) on a television. Not much of an addition, but we might as well start to pool all references in the one place. If you've stumbled upon this page, and you have additional info, please post it in the comments!
Edit July 2, 2011: Apparently a thumbnail screenshot has emerged from the darkened recesses of the web, which may have been partial inspiration for MUGEN creations based on the character. Edit November 6, 2011: Over on MKO, JiminyCroquet has identified the watermark as coming from a pre-Gamespot videogames.com, which explains the V. If anyone has the original fullsize image, contact me!!!
MK Aqua aka; Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot links:
- Mortal Kombat: They Don't Talk About HIM Anymore... [1up.com article]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy Aqua is Real!!! [Angefire site]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy: Super Unlockable Aqua Ending [YouTube video]
- Amateur MKT Treasures Ending TV Footage [Yfrog video]
- Aqua Wins [Soundbyte] [YouTube video]
- Official UK PlayStation Magazine 1999 Article [ImageShack jpeg]
- Aqua Gameplay Screenshot Thumbnail [ImageShack jpeg]
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy [Wikipedia article]
- Secret character [MK Wikia]
- Rumored Mortal Kombat Characters [Compendium]
- Os lutadores "secretos" de Mortal Kombat [Portuguese Blog]
- Unlocking Aqua? [GameSpot Forums]
- You know who should really be in this game? [GameSpot Forums]
- Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot ending [GameSpot Forums]
- Unlocking Aqua? [GameFAQs Forums]
- Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot for Mortal Kombat 2011!! [Forum Post]
- Rumored Mortal Kombat Characters [Forum Post]
- Aqua in Trilogy [MKO Forums]
- When do yous think these characters will ever be offical? [MKO Forums]
- Rumor for MK10 [MK Wikia Blog]
Trying to keep up with Aqua info/references I'm finding. Thought it would be fun to try to keep track of tweets about him, too. Hit me up @TheMicker if you want, so I can add your tweet to the list.
Edit November 6, 2011: Still trying to keep up with any and all Aqua news/developments [tweet me if you've got something]! RoboMelvana has a video up with a quick preview of his MUGEN Aqua [1:47-2:48], which is pretty cool. It's a good start with some tweaks to come. Not quite 100% accurate, but you know how demanding us Aqua fanboys can be. Hope to see more like it!
Apparently a fan-art project is going to include Aqua in their drawn catalogue of characters, but not until some time next year, so I'll try to keep my eye out for that when it happens. If you weren't around earlier in the year, you might also like to find the Aqua reference in MKO's April Fools joke.
MK Aqua Fakes/Tributes
- Top Fighter 2011 II: World Battle [MUGEN]
- Top Fighter 2011 II: World Battle [MUGEN]
- sucky preview of top fighter 2000 mkviii 2: world battle [MUGEN]
- MKA KAF: Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot 1 [YouTube Video]
- MKA KAF: Aquilluxborg Hydroxybot 2 [YouTube Video]
- Mortal Kombat Aqua [DeviantART]
- Mortal Kombat Armageddon : Kreate a fighter [Forum Post]
MK Aqua on Twitter
- http://twitter.com/TRMK/status/38106471589883904
- http://twitter.com/#!/Clastichead/status/77758725640822784
- http://twitter.com/#!/Clastichead/status/88442936265687042
- http://twitter.com/#!/TravisColenutt/status/75771268691013632
Saturday, August 14, 2010
iChart 100: 2010 Continues
#1 [554] Way Out West - Pulse of Life (+3)
#2 [540] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana (-1)
#3 [535] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-1)
#4 [528] William Ørbit - In A Landscape (-1)
#5 [510] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (--)
#6 [508] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (--)
#7 [505] Thom Yorke - Analyse (--)
#8 [503] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors (--)
#9 [500] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (--)
#10 [475] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (+2)
#11 [474] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (--)
#12 [472] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-2)
#13 [447] Björk - Mouths Cradle (--)
#14 [438] CoLD SToRAGE - Body In Motion (+2)
#15 [437] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (-1)
#16 [435] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-1)
#17 [425] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (--)
#18 [421] Vangelis - Love Theme from Bladerunner (--)
#19 [408] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+3)
#20 [404] Moby - My Weakness (+1)
#21 [400] Björk - Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right) (-2)
#22 [394] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramierz Radio Edit) (-2)
#23 [370] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (--)
#24 [367] Björk - Submarine (--)
#25 [349] Madonna - Frozen (+1)
#26 [347] Gustav - Genua (-1)
#27 [340] Hot Chip - Over and Over (+2)
#28 [338] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+5)
#29 [335] Intermix - Mantra (-2)
#30 [331] PNAU - Journey Agent (-2)
#31 [329] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-1)
#32 [324] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda-Rósu (-1)
#33 [323] Stardust - Music Sounds Better Than You (Radio Edit) (-1)
#34 [322] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+9)
#35 [322] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (--)
#36 [320] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (+5)
#37 [317] Radiohead - Videotape (-3)
#38 [315] Pendulum - Coma (-1)
#39 [314] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (-1)
#40 [310] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (+2)
#41 [308] The Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-5)
#42 [305] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-3)
#43 [305] Björk - Desired Constellation (-3)
#44 [302] Cassius - Toop Toop (+4)
#45 [296] Console - 14 Zero Zero (+4)
#46 [264] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+4)
#47 [292] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death Version by Rob Dougan) (-3)
#48 [290] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-2)
#49 [290] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-4)
#50 [287] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (-3)
#51 [283] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (--)
#52 [278] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (+2)
#53 [277] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks (+2)
#54 [271] Björk - Vokuro (-2)
#55 [269] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (+1)
#56 [269] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (-3)
#57 [265] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#58 [264] Hot Chip - Grubbs (+2)
#59 [264] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (-2)
#60 [260] Moby - Natural Blues (+6)
#61 [260] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (-2)
#62 [258] Pet Shop Boys - I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give it Anymore (+3)
#63 [252] Faithless - We Come 1 (+9)
#64 [251] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (-3)
#65 [249] Moby - ARP (+5)
#66 [249] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-4)
#67 [248] Moby - Memory Gospel (-4)
#68 [247] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (-4)
#69 [242] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-2)
#70 [240] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (-2)
#71 [240] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-2)
#72 [239] Björk - Oceania (+2)
#73 [239] Orbital - Petrol (-2)
#74 [235] Moby - Flying Foxes (-1)
#75 [231] ana voog - Telepathic You (+4)
#76 [231] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (-1)
#77 [225] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (-1)
#78 [222] CoLD SToRAGE - Messij Received (-1)
#79 [220] Daft Punk - Around the World (+2)
#80 [220] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-2)
#81 [219] Gerling - Enter Spacecapsule (Radio Disko Remix) (+12)
#82 [218] CoLD SToRAGE - Messij XTND (new)
#83 [218] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (-3)
#84 [217] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+12)
#85 [216] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (-1)
#86 [216] Rui Da Silva feat. Cassandra - Touch Me (--)
#87 [215] DJ Shadow - Six Days (-5)
#88 [214] 808 State - Pacific (808:98) (+4)
#89 [213] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-6)
#90 [211] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (-5)
#91 [210] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-4)
#92 [210] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-4)
#93 [208] Luke Slater - Grace (-4)
#94 [207] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (-4)
#95 [207] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (-4)
#96 [206] Hybrid - If I Survive (+4)
#97 [205] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (+2)
#98 [205] Radiohead - 15 Step (-4)
#99 [203] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-1)
#100 [203] UNKLE - Unreal (-5)
#2 [540] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana (-1)
#3 [535] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-1)
#4 [528] William Ørbit - In A Landscape (-1)
#5 [510] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (--)
#6 [508] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (--)
#7 [505] Thom Yorke - Analyse (--)
#8 [503] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors (--)
#9 [500] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (--)
#10 [475] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (+2)
#11 [474] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (--)
#12 [472] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-2)
#13 [447] Björk - Mouths Cradle (--)
#14 [438] CoLD SToRAGE - Body In Motion (+2)
#15 [437] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (-1)
#16 [435] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-1)
#17 [425] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (--)
#18 [421] Vangelis - Love Theme from Bladerunner (--)
#19 [408] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+3)
#20 [404] Moby - My Weakness (+1)
#21 [400] Björk - Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right) (-2)
#22 [394] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramierz Radio Edit) (-2)
#23 [370] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (--)
#24 [367] Björk - Submarine (--)
#25 [349] Madonna - Frozen (+1)
#26 [347] Gustav - Genua (-1)
#27 [340] Hot Chip - Over and Over (+2)
#28 [338] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+5)
#29 [335] Intermix - Mantra (-2)
#30 [331] PNAU - Journey Agent (-2)
#31 [329] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-1)
#32 [324] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda-Rósu (-1)
#33 [323] Stardust - Music Sounds Better Than You (Radio Edit) (-1)
#34 [322] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+9)
#35 [322] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (--)
#36 [320] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (+5)
#37 [317] Radiohead - Videotape (-3)
#38 [315] Pendulum - Coma (-1)
#39 [314] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (-1)
#40 [310] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (+2)
#41 [308] The Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-5)
#42 [305] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-3)
#43 [305] Björk - Desired Constellation (-3)
#44 [302] Cassius - Toop Toop (+4)
#45 [296] Console - 14 Zero Zero (+4)
#46 [264] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+4)
#47 [292] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death Version by Rob Dougan) (-3)
#48 [290] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-2)
#49 [290] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-4)
#50 [287] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (-3)
#51 [283] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (--)
#52 [278] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (+2)
#53 [277] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks (+2)
#54 [271] Björk - Vokuro (-2)
#55 [269] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (+1)
#56 [269] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (-3)
#57 [265] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#58 [264] Hot Chip - Grubbs (+2)
#59 [264] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (-2)
#60 [260] Moby - Natural Blues (+6)
#61 [260] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (-2)
#62 [258] Pet Shop Boys - I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give it Anymore (+3)
#63 [252] Faithless - We Come 1 (+9)
#64 [251] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (-3)
#65 [249] Moby - ARP (+5)
#66 [249] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-4)
#67 [248] Moby - Memory Gospel (-4)
#68 [247] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (-4)
#69 [242] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-2)
#70 [240] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (-2)
#71 [240] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-2)
#72 [239] Björk - Oceania (+2)
#73 [239] Orbital - Petrol (-2)
#74 [235] Moby - Flying Foxes (-1)
#75 [231] ana voog - Telepathic You (+4)
#76 [231] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (-1)
#77 [225] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (-1)
#78 [222] CoLD SToRAGE - Messij Received (-1)
#79 [220] Daft Punk - Around the World (+2)
#80 [220] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-2)
#81 [219] Gerling - Enter Spacecapsule (Radio Disko Remix) (+12)
#82 [218] CoLD SToRAGE - Messij XTND (new)
#83 [218] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (-3)
#84 [217] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+12)
#85 [216] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (-1)
#86 [216] Rui Da Silva feat. Cassandra - Touch Me (--)
#87 [215] DJ Shadow - Six Days (-5)
#88 [214] 808 State - Pacific (808:98) (+4)
#89 [213] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-6)
#90 [211] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (-5)
#91 [210] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-4)
#92 [210] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-4)
#93 [208] Luke Slater - Grace (-4)
#94 [207] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (-4)
#95 [207] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (-4)
#96 [206] Hybrid - If I Survive (+4)
#97 [205] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (+2)
#98 [205] Radiohead - 15 Step (-4)
#99 [203] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-1)
#100 [203] UNKLE - Unreal (-5)
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Wrestling: Kayfabe Countdown Mid-Year Review
Professional wrestling: equal parts theatre and sport, it is performance art for the unwashed masses. Wrestling has come a long way in the last thirty years. The course of matches is predetermined to a result, but this curtain revealing fact has never truly been a hinderance for a fan's enjoyment. Appreciating and understanding wrestling is as much about in-ring execution and evocative storytelling as it is any notion of sporting competition. The skill of battling an opponent without crippling them for life is a feat to be admired, as is the time honored language that communicates the highs and lows of vivid characters, who each wield vastly different motivations and fighting styles.
Win/loss records have never been especially important to the life and career of a professional wrestler. Championship belts are an important indication of a wrestler's standing, but on any given card, motivations are just as likely to be personal, focused, and governed by the wisdom of conventional storyarcs, rather than competition rankings. Because of this, it's rare that a promoter or organization would place any emphasis on raw data beyond the occasional undefeated streak, or an important contender match. That said, the sports connection held in wrestling means that the language of competitive ranking is inherent to the way in which fans measure and compare their favourite body slamming superstars.
At the beginning of 2010, I decided to combine my love of statistical rankings and pro wrestling by compiling a list of win/loss records taken from television and pay-per-view matches featured in WWE and TNA programming. The value of this pursuit is highly suspect, but if nothing else, it's added a new perspective for the back-end of my monthly look at each company's special events. Through these deviations into interest-based commentary, I've been able to connect with some of the gamers who were nurtured by the explosion of late nineties wrestling games, and the Monday Night Wars that fuelled the cross-media Attitude Era.
The following list is a mid-year account of some of the rankings as they currently stand [prior to the June 28 episode of WWE RAW] based on pure win/loss data, accompanied by the usual brand of hyperbole that goes with these things. Typically I include the top ten for either WWE or TNA in the comments section of my PPV forecast write-ups. Here is the first opportunity to see how wrestlers from each of the two major companys rate against each other, keeping in mind that WWE has considerably more programming for it's wrestlers to appear on. Results are pulled from WWE RAW, WWE NXT, WWE Superstars, WWE Smackdown, TNA Impact, and monthly Pay-Per-View events, the most recent of which were WWE: Fatal 4-Way and TNA: Slammiversary VIII.
#1 Kofi Kingston (Intercontinental Champion)
It seems to be a given that the most successful wrestler at any given moment will rarely be the top talent. This stems from a variety of different factors, not the least of which is the fact that a great hero needs to overcome adversity. As a promising upper mid-card wrestler with a lot of energy and potential, it stands to reason that Kofi Kingston would appear high on the list. I'm still somewhat surprised by his recent rise to the top of the rankings, making him the first man in either of the top promotions to gain twenty wins in a single year. Win/loss records don't mean a lot in wrestling, but to enjoy that much success on any level is a significant statement about the faith behind them.
Kingston's feud with Randy Orton heading in to Wrestlemania really seemed like the turning point for an otherwise slightly non-descript mid-carder. When that opportunity fell apart, bludgeoning the less seasoned Kingston with it's debris, it seemed like the Ghanese wrestler was doomed to dwell in the lower rankings. A move to Smackdown has turned those fortunes back to the better. After Drew McIntyre's exhausting reign as IC champ, Kingston is a refreshing change of pace, but it remains to be seen if his rise in the rankings will be worth it's weight in gold. I love his energy and some of the wacky moves he brings into a sometimes colourless squared circle, but his execution could do with some practise.
#2 The Big Show
Formerly The Giant of WCW fame; Big Show is said to have been the subject of scowling envy in the mid-nineties when Vince McMahon claimed his opposition didn't know how to do a giant, and he would do better. It's fair to say he made good on his claims when first acquiring Big Show for WWF in 1999, but over the years, the "world's largest athlete" has teetered between dancing monkey and legitimate super-sized monster. These days he loiters somewhere in between, lending his size to the exploits of smaller wrestlers, Chris Jericho and The Miz, in Tag Team championship reigns that reinvigorated that dying division.
Big Show's trade to Smackdown has put him back in the hunt for the top singles title, defaulted there by virtue of a lack of headliners. I'm okay with that, but it brings back the old issue of dealing with the balance of keeping Big Show's indomitable reputation intact without decimating potential up and comers that make up the rest of the roster. Couldn't say Big Show's spot at the top isn't deserved, but I wonder if it will be sustained.
#3 Rey Mysterio (World Heavyweight Champion)
Rumor has it WWE's premiere luchadore was hoping for some time off, which bought him a second reign as World Heavyweight champion at the end of this month's Fatal 4-Way PPV. I'm not inclined to be quite so cynical, even if there's truth to the rumor, remembering how impressive Mysterio's six months of wrestling have been as justification for his standing. As if Rey Mysterio Jr ever needed to be justified at this stage of his career. After extracting genius from Batista in the earliest months of 2010, Mysterio went on to enter into a long running feud with CM Punk, providing the most logical main event name to a battle that spawned the Straight Edge Society around Punk.
Adding to the amazement of Mysterio's feats is the length of time he has remained in competition, despite reports of surgery that was supposed to sideline him before or after March's Wrestlemania. Assuming they're true, it's further testament to a wrestler who isn't always the immediate top title contender he deserves to be. As WWE's only televised masked luchadore, he's an invaluable source of differentiation in a company filled with white guys in dark trunks. Breaking Undertaker's face on return with a usually routine splash was a strange footenote for Mysterio's year, but otherwise, he's been one of the best. A worthy contender for top spot come year's end.
#4 R-Truth
Like Kofi Kingston; the recently short-held US champion is a novel talent with a lot of in-ring energy and promise. For me, there are a couple of inescapable sticking points when it comes to Ron "R-Truth" Killings, however. I remain slightly frustrated that we have to pretend his career as "K-Kwik" never happened (circa 2000), rendering his previous reigns as Hardcore champion inadmissable. The other point, also relating to championships, is the fact that he's a former two-time NWA Heavyweight champion via his career with early TNA. I realise that WWE, and a good many fans, don't rate TNA all that high, but I wish that those accolades could count for something more than three months as US champ after a few years. A few years that began with a hot arrival and ripe opportunity against recently departed WWE talent (and then-US champ), Shelton Benjamin.
At times, a lot of innuendo and hyperbole surrounds WWE's treatment of "coloured" athletes. The success of R-Truth and Kingston goes some length to disproving any of the negatives, but it remains to be seen if these are longterm investments. Truth, moved to the perceived A-show of RAW, has managed to escape a fate of being devoured by the bland headlining talent that have dominated the show for the majority of the brand split years. Admittedly, despite wanting his past achievements to hold greater weight, I'm not entirely sure how his character and twisting wrestling style factor in to the upper levels of a WWE card, but hope we get a chance to see. A recent groin strain might hamper his success in the middle part of the year, but let's hope it doesn't worsen.
#5 Tyson Kidd // #6 David Hart-Smith
(Tag Team Champion) (WWE: RAW)
(Tag Team Champion) (WWE: RAW) [16-8-1]
This time last year, the WWE Tag Team championships were just about a write-off! It wasn't so long ago the belts were locked in constant rematches between The Colons (Carlito & Primo) and Miz & John Morrison. It didn't help that there were two sets of belts for RAW and Smackdown both, a set-up borne of a time when men like Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio were injecting the Smackdown tag roster with a rare intensity that demanded new belts be added. The slack was picked up by Chris Jericho and Big Show, who quite simply earned back the credibility of the belts by dispensing with tandem challengers month to month in solid matches.
After a few changeovers, the arrival of The Hart Dynasty seems like the first shot at giving the tag titles back to traditional tag team wrestling. So far, it hasn't been the greatest decision. I've enjoyed seeing the expected arrival of Tyson Kidd & DH Smith as a top contending tag team, but after being clamorous for a Wrestlemania push against "DX" Triple H & Shawn Michaels, I'm starting to have reservations about contemporary WWE's ability to make use of a conventional tag team. The Hart Dynasty won the belts fair and square, but have been somewhat adrift, washing afoul the Samoan legacy team of The Usos in recent weeks with less than convincing results.
Conventional wisdom doesn't seem to apply to WWE as much, these days, but I like to think they know that there's a right way to build convincing champs. It'll take more than an impressive win/loss rate to establish The Hart Dynasty at the level they've entered, but if booking can insert established talent after quickly disposing of The Usos (who themselves might benefit from earning their place), then the Hart legacy has every opportunity to establish itself as WWE's premiere classic tag team.
#7 Christian
Christian's story seems destined to be one of mixed fortunes. After headlining WWE's version of the ECW brand, he was cheated the opportunity to be the final ECW champion on record when that honor was passed off to short-lived and currently injured, Ezekiel Jackson. He's enjoyed unlikely success on both the RAW and Smackdown brands, always a bouyant personality, if destined to come off second-best against any superstar with a claim to the top spot. Sheamus comes to mind as a prime example of someone he probably deserved to beat, but never stood a chance against.
Like Ron Killings; Christian had far greater championship success during his tenure with TNA, but alas, fame and fortune seems to lure Christian back despite the limits of his promotion prospects. They say Vince McMahon just doesn't buy a guy with that face and that physique as champ. The proof of that is in the pudding of his career, but I guess for a guy the boss supposedly hates, he's doing pretty well for himself!
On Smackdown, his agile style makes a lot more sense, thanks to the steady perspective of in-ring technique that typified the Smackdown brand since the split. It hasn't earned him any higher than a missed opportunity to take the IC championship, but at least he's getting a look in. Or was, before a traded Hornswoggle dragged him into what threatened to be an unflattering spotlight. I like Christian a lot, but I can never shake the thought that he was better off staying in TNA. I certainly got a lot more out of him there, and so did he, presumably, given the value of his still lukewarm stock upon returning to WWE. Stock that took him to an unrivalled win percentage earlier in the year, but as you can see, seems unlikely to finish on top come the end of 2010.
#8 Michelle McCool
(WWE: Smackdown)
Typically, wrestlers compete in segmented divisions defined by their standing in the heirarchy.
Women are generally far fewer in number, so it stands to reason that a few dominant female wrestlers will rise to the top of any rankings system, regardless of their significance or ability. Unfortunately, significant is not one of the words I would use to describe today's incarnation of women's wrestling in WWE. It's never really been a great draw, but in years gone by, three-or-so women made-up a slightly more convincing division of grapplers that occupied much less time. These days, Barbie doll cheerleaders and strippers seem to be the order of the day, usually without any regard for in-ring technique.
Michelle McCool deserves recognition for at least looking something like a wrestler when she's in the ring. I have to admit that a bias against the bulk of these bouts means I don't always get to see what they're capable of, but of McCool, there is some plausible justification for success. The former Women's champion currently claims to co-hold the Diva's title with her LayCool tag team partner, Layla, but is not officially a reigning champ. I wondered if this might be part of an attempt to replicate TNA's glimmer of success with a women's tag division, given that they already have a second women's [Diva's] title that has little or no purpose. It seems more likely now that it's fodder for a break-up feud down the line between LayCool over the belt, but we'll have to wait and see.
#9 The Miz (United States Champion)
If you believe the hype, he's The Miz and he is awesome. Personally, I'm not so convinced.
The Miz has enjoyed a surprising rise through the ranks that included, just a couple of months ago, joint ownership of the United States and Tag Team championships. He's entered into his second reign as US champ after reclaiming his lost belt from R-Truth in under thirty days. All of this, and he was the NXT mentor for former Ring of Honor Heavyweight champion, Bryan Danielson. Not bad for a guy who was supposedly banned from the lockerroom for eating chicken.
There has to be room for personalities in professional wrestling, so I reluctantly submit that perhaps a guy like this really does deserve a spot on the card. He certainly showed how that could work when departing from obnoxious-kid long enough to play the voice of a good portion of fans, myself included, who think John Cena kinda sucks. A brief partnership with Big Show also wasn't entirely fruitless, and his feud with Bryan Danielson turned out to be one of the missed opportunities of the year, resulting in only a match on RAW, rather than what could've been a strong grudge match on PPV. A legit battle like that could've gone a long way to establishing credibility that would elevate the flagging US title. It's hard to imagine this guy going any higher than he already is.
#10 Rob Van Dam (World Heavyweight Champion)
I hate to say it, but there's something very tired about the in-ring style of "The Whole F'n Show," Rob Van Dam. It's been a long time since the highs of ECW in the mid-to-late nineties, but that's not to disqualify everything a guy like RVD did to earn his place among the stars of wrestling that dominated the nineties boom period. The rolling and leaping that once set crowds alight seems slightly pre-programmed as Van Dam takes to the top rope these days, but there's something to be said for the classics. I was definitely one of the fans keen to see him hit TNA when rumors first broke of a possible return to wrestling, and his reign as Heavyweight champion seems like a debt the industry should've paid a decade ago. Sure, he had that WWE reign and was ECW champ, but that was a pretty wishy-washy period.
Having just dispatched Sting in the main event of TNA's annual Slammiversary, RVD makes a strong case as the man on top of TNA, but the only way is down for a guy with such an unblemished record. You would have to think the near future promises an encounter with Kurt Angle, who is working his way through TNA's ranking system for a chance meeting with the champ. It's a bout that might promise defeat for Mr. Pay-Per-View, but if you ask me, it's been a good and genuine run! I'm not sure I'd like to see him go two-time, but I appreciate the return.
#1 Kofi Kingston (20-10-0) (WWE) [Intercontinental]
#2 The Big Show (19-10-0) (WWE) [Tag Team]
#3 Rey Mysterio (18-7-2) (WWE) [World Heavyweight]
#4 R-Truth (17-14-2) (WWE) [United States]
#5 Tyson Kidd (16-7-1) (WWE) [Tag Team]
#6 David Hart Smith (16-8-1) (WWE) [Tag Team]
#7 Christian (16-14-1) (WWE)
#8 Michelle McCool (15-9-0) (WWE)
#9 The Miz (14-17-1) (WWE) [United States; Tag Team]
#10 Rob Van Dam (13-1-0) (TNA) [World Heavyweight]
#11 AJ Styles (13-6-4) (TNA)
#12 John Cena (13-10-4) (WWE) [WWE x2]
#13 Kane (13-13-3) (WWE)
#14 John Morrison (13-17-1) (WWE)
#15 Abyss (12-6-3) (TNA)
#16 Layla (12-9-0) (WWE) [Womens]
#17 Randy Orton (12-10-4) (WWE)
#18 Evan Bourne (12-10-1) (WWE)
#19 Maryse (12-11-0) (WWE) [Divas]
#20 Gail Kim (12-11-0) (WWE)
#21 Dolph Ziggler (12-13-1) (WWE)
#22 MVP (12-15-0) (WWE)
#23 CM Punk (12-16-2) (WWE)
#24 Jack Swagger (12-19-0) (WWE) [World Heavyweight]
#25 Chris Jericho (12-20-1) (WWE) [World Heavyweight]
#26 Velvet Sky (11-1-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag]
#27 Sheamus (11-8-2) (WWE) [WWE]
#28 Eve Torres (11-9-0) (WWE) [Divas]
#29 Drew McIntyre (11-17-2) (WWE)
#30 Kurt Angle (10-5-0) (TNA)
#31 Yoshitatsu (10-9-0) (WWE)
#32 Ted Dibiase Jr (10-13-1) (WWE)
#33 Matt Hardy (10-15-1) (WWE)
#34 Madison Rayne (9-4-0) (TNA) [Knockouts; Knockouts Tag]
#35 Matt Morgan (9-5-4) (TNA) [Tag Team]
#36 Wade Barrett (9-7-0) (WWE)
#37 Robert Roode (9-10-2) (TNA)
#38 Rob Terry (8-1-1) (TNA)
#39 Jeff Hardy (8-5-1) (TNA)
#40 Justin Gabriel (8-5-0) (WWE)
#41 Triple H (8-6-2) (WWE)
#42 Frankie Kazarian (8-6-1) (TNA) [X-Division]
#43 Darren Young (8-6-0) (WWE)
#44 Cody Rhodes (8-8-0) (WWE)
#45 Tara (8-9-0) (TNA) [Knockouts]
#46 Beth Phoenix (8-9-0) (WWE) [Womens]
#47 JTG (8-10-2) (WWE)
#48 Ken Anderson (8-11-0) (TNA)
#49 Luke Gallows (8-11-0) (WWE)
#50 James Storm (8-12-2) (TNA)
#51 D'Angelo Dinero (7-5-1) (TNA)
#52 The Great Khali (7-6-0) (WWE)
#53 Edge (7-7-4) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
#54 Douglas Williams (7-7-0) (TNA) [X-Division x2]
#55 David Otunga (7-8-0) (WWE)
#56 Kelly Kelly (7-10-1) (WWE)
#57 Alicia Fox (7-10-0) (WWE) [Divas]
#58 Zack Ryder (7-14-1) (WWE)
#59 Ezekiel Jackson (6-1-0) (WWE) [ECW]
#60 The Undertaker (6-2-0) (WWE)
#61 Jay Lethal (6-4-1) (TNA)
#62 Shawn Michaels (6-5-1) (WWE)
#63 Kevin Nash (6-5-0) (TNA) [Tag Team]
#64 Hernandez (6-6-2) (TNA) [Tag Team]
#65 Shelton Benjamin (6-6-0) (WWE)
#66 Heath Slater (6-7-0) (WWE)
#67 Mark Henry (6-11-2) (WWE)
#68 Desmond Wolfe (6-14-1) (TNA)
#69 Lacey Von Erich (5-1-1) (TNA)
#70 Mickie James (5-6-0) (WWE) [Womens]
#71 Scott Hall (4-3-0) (TNA) [Tag Team]
#72 Eric Young (4-4-0) (TNA)
#73 Jesse Neal (4-5-1) (TNA)
#74 Vance Archer (4-5-0) (WWE)
#75 Vladimir Kozlov (4-5-0) (WWE)
#76 Brie Bella (4-5-0) (WWE)
#77 Shad Gaspard (4-6-2) (WWE)
#78 Primo Colon (4-6-1) (WWE)
#79 Jeff Jarrett (4-6-1) (TNA)
#80 Shannon Moore (4-7-1) (TNA)
#81 Angelina Love (4-8-1) (TNA) [Knockouts]
#82 Goldust (4-8-0) (WWE)
#83 Batista (4-11-6) (WWE) [WWE]
#84 Brian Knobbs (3-1-0) (TNA)
#85 Jerry Saggs (3-1-0) (TNA)
#86 Curt Hawkins (3-2-0) (WWE)
#87 Orlando Jordan (3-4-1) (TNA)
#88 Samoa Joe (3-4-0) (TNA)
#89 Tiffany (3-5-0) (WWE)
#90 Nikki Bella (3-5-0) (WWE)
#91 Skip Sheffield (3-6-0) (WWE)
#92 Brother Devon (3-7-3) (TNA)
#93 Amazing Red (3-7-0) (TNA)
#94 Brother Ray (3-8-3) (TNA)
#95 Alex Shelley (3-8-2) (TNA)
#96 Chris Sabin (3-8-2) (TNA)
#97 Chris Masters (3-9-0) (WWE)
#98 Brian Kendrick (3-9-0) (WWE)
#99 William Regal (3-15-0) (WWE)
#100 Natalya Neidhart (2-0-1) (WWE)
#101 Bret Hart (2-0-0) (WWE) [United States]
#102 Alex Riley (2-0-0) (WWE)
#103 Michael McGillicutty (2-0-0) (WWE)
#104 Eli Cottonwood (2-0-0) (WWE)
#105 Awesome Kong (2-1-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag]
#106 Roxxi (2-1-0) (TNA)
#107 Hornswoggle (2-1-0) (WWE)
#108 Fit Finlay (2-1-0) (WWE)
#109 Vickie Guerrero (2-1-0) (WWE)
#110 Sean Morley (2-1-0) (TNA)
#111 Hamada (2-2-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag]
#112 ODB (2-3-0) (TNA) [Knockouts]
#113 Sean Waltman (2-3-0) (TNA)
#114 Homicide (2-4-0) (TNA)
#115 Sting (2-5-1) (TNA)
#116 Max Buck (2-5-1) (TNA)
#117 Jeremy Buck (2-5-1) (TNA)
#118 Daffney (2-6-0) (TNA)
#119 Michael Tarver (2-8-0) (WWE)
#120 Santino Marella (2-8-0) (WWE)
#121 Trent Baretta (2-10-0) (WWE)
#122 Daniel Bryan (2-12-0) (WWE)
#123 Hulk Hogan (1-0-1) (TNA)
#124 Jimmy Hart (1-0-0) (TNA)
#125 Slam Master J (1-0-0) (WWE)
#126 MacGruber (1-0-0) (WWE)
#127 Mark Feuerstein (1-0-0) (WWE)
#128 Percy Watson (1-1-0) (WWE)
#129 Jimmy Uso (1-1-0) (WWE)
#130 Jey Uso (1-1-0) (WWE)
#131 Vince McMahon (1-1-0) (WWE)
#132 Jimmy Wang Yang (1-1-0) (WWE)
#133 The Hurricane (1-1-0) (WWE)
#134 Katie Lee Burchill (1-6-0) (WWE)
#135 Caylen Croft (1-12-0) (WWE)
#136 Jillian (1-13-0) (WWE)
#137 Chavo Guerrero (1-13-0) (WWE)
#138 Tamina (0-0-1) (WWE)
#139 Charlie Haas (0-1-1) (WWE)
#140 Raven (0-1-0) (TNA)
#141 Dr. Stevie Richards (0-1-0) (TNA)
#142 Kiyoshi (0-1-0) (TNA)
#143 Brother Runt (0-1-0) (TNA)
#144 Mike Tyson (0-1-0) (WWE)
#145 John Heder (0-1-0) (WWE)
#146 Rosie Lottalove (0-1-0) (TNA)
#147 Husky Harris (0-1-0) (WWE)
#148 Virgil (0-1-0) (WWE)
#149 Teddy Long (0-1-0) (WWE)
#150 Ric Flair (0-2-1) (TNA)
#151 Lucky Cannon (0-2-0) (WWE)
#152 Kaval (0-2-0) (WWE)
#153 Titus O'Neil (0-2-0) (WWE)
#154 Maria (0-2-0) (WWE)
#155 Suicide (0-2-0) (TNA)
#156 Consequences Creed (0-2-0) (TNA)
#157 Mick Foley (0-3-0) (TNA)
#158 Tomko (0-5-0) (TNA)
#159 Brutus Magnus (0-5-0) (TNA)
#160 Christopher Daniels (0-5-0) (TNA)
#161 Rosa Mendes (0-6-0) (WWE)
#162 Sarita (0-6-0) (TNA)
#163 Taylor Wilde (0-6-0) (TNA)
#164 Mike Knox (0-7-1) (WWE)
#165 Carlito Colon (0-15-2) (WWE)
Include cumulative win/loss/draw stats taken from WWE and TNA televised programming and Pay-Per-View events. Stats include championships won in 2010.
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