Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 02/27

#1 Edge [--] (11-1-1) (WWE)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Another week, another win for Edge on Smackdown. The current World Heavyweight Champion doesn't look to be having any troubles in the push department, despite being bogged down in an obscure team-up with Kelly Kelly (#50) against the ailing forces of Vickie Guerrero (#108) and her crumbling house of cards. This premature march of heroes might lead some fans to speculate the chances of Royal Rumble #1 contender, Alberto Del Rio (#2), who'll face off against Edge at Wrestlemania XXVII for the title.

With John Cena (#38) and The Miz (#7) likely to headline, and The Rock in a supporting role, you'd have to think the good guy glory will come from some form of reconciliation between "The People's Champion" and his rapping counterpart, Cena, setting up a customary happy ending for the massaged Mania audience. Which really only lends credence to the theory that Del Rio might be gearing up for a win. He certanly seems to have the more impressive build, besting Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston (#26) in the most unflattering of manners for the IC belt. In other words -- I'm starting to believe and get very curious about the recent WWE signing of Mistico, who may or may not join his lucha fellows on the blue brand just in time for the "showcase of immortals." Very interesting!

#2 [--] Alberto Del Rio (9-2-1) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
#3 [+5] Ken Anderson (6-3-0) (TNA)
#4 [new] Justin Gabriel (6-3-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [-2] Randy Orton (6-4-0) (WWE)
#6 [+3] Rey Mysterio (6-4-0) (WWE)
#7 [RE] The Miz (6-6-0) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#8 [-4] Robert Roode (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-4] James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#10 [-4] Frankie Kazarian (5-1-0) (TNA) [X-Division Champion]

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+5] Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (4-2-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#3 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (4-4-0) (WWE)
#4 [-1] Sarita & Rosita (2-0-0) (TNA)
#5 [-1] Edge & Randy Orton (2-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [-1] John Morrison & R-Truth (2-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [-1] Rey Mysterio & R-Truth (2-0-0) (WWE)
#8 [new] Edge & Kelly Kelly (2-0-0) (WWE)
#9 [-1] Layla & Michelle McCool (2-1-0) (WWE)
#10 [-1] Madison Rayne & Sarita (2-1-0) (TNA)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR The Undertaker (0-0-0) (WWE)
Depending on who you ask, WWE's latest Wrestlemania return campaign may have backfired, somewhat. As remarked upon at the time [February 6], it never struck me as likely that the 2 21 11 promos would regard anything but the return of the Deadman, but it seems some fans had so thoroughly talked themselves into anticipating the arrival of Sting, that they were disappointed by The Undertaker.

The Phenom didn't arrive on RAW alone this week, immediately follow by a returning Triple H, whose silent face-off with the Deadman confirmed their involvement in the annual clash to test Undertaker's winning power. On the one hand, I thought this was a very simple and effective moment, which used all the cache value of these two tested stars, as well as the weighty iconography of the Wrestlemania name and logo itself. On the other hand, I was disappointed that the atmospheric cabin promos that preceded Undertaker's return weren't of more value. Despite an exit that implied some sort of passage to the afterlife, and these return promos that insinuated something akin to a home haven for the wild west inspired Undertaker, it was for moot, a mere transition from clip to stage playing out the involvement of the rainy desert and it's cultish gloom.

I've always been a fan of the pageantry and the fiction of The Undertaker, which are aspects generally lacking from today's WWE product. That said, I wouldn't let personal preference get in the way of appreciating what was ultimately a much more convincing set-up than I would've expected of a match that will only have one month to breathe. In a way, it segues out of the Shawn Michaels challenges of the previous years, which completely changed the complexion of what it is to challenge The Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. I would still have loved to see Brock Lesnar return to challenge the streak in an MMA-infused encounter, but I doubt Undertaker is physically up to making the most of that scenario, any way. With Triple H, it becomes a match about status and standing. A continuation of the previous two years that sees the fresher of the DX duo take on the Deadman, in a rematch of their 2001 "X-Seven" clash that gave 'Taker Mania win number nine! Roll on number nineteen!

Special Note: On the February 21 episode of RAW, John Cena (#38) and The Miz (#7) were paired together to win the Tag Team Championships. They lost the belts back to Justin Gabriel (#4) and Heath Slater (#22) immediately, granting the latter pair their second reign for 2011, and third overall. It was about as pointless as it sounds.

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.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 02/20

#1 Edge [+1] (10-1-1) (WWE)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
It was triple duty for the World's Heavyweight Champion this week, giving him a clear win ahead of Royal Rumble #1 Contender and current Kayfabe Countdown rival, Alberto Del Rio (#2). The "Rated-R Superstar" continues to benefit from his on-going feud with Dolph Ziggler (#90), who granted Edge a second World title reign for 2011 when Teddy Long returned to undo Vickie Guerrero's dodgy dealings. A twelve-man tag team match made it a triple-double for Edge on the 600th episode of Smackdown, levelling Ziggler with a feeble 1-9-1 win/loss/draw rate, before being fired by the returning GM, and removed from Sunday's Elimination Chamber.

As expected, Edge came out on top over Kane (#51), Rey Mysterio (#9), Drew McIntyre (#12), Wade Barrett (#50), and Ziggler's replacement, The Big Show (#46), to set-up a title clash with Alberto Del Rio at Wrestlemania XXVII (April 3). It seems unlikely the match will headline the show, with John Cena (#54) having earned a WWE title match against The Miz (#11) in the RAW Chamber match.

Personally, that bothers me. I like the main event marquee being part and parcel with the honor of winning the Royal Rumble, something bookers know well in advance after more than a decade (with rare, justifiable exception). I agree that, even with his meteoric rise shown on RAW, it might be a big ask for an audience to go with Del Rio in a main event. It could even be a big ask for Del Rio, who might be irrevocably damaged by being prematurely pushed into the biggest spotlight of the year. It's a no-win situation, which will just have to bother me without reply.

#2 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (9-2-0) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
#3 [RE] Randy Orton (6-4-0) (WWE)
#4 [-1] Robert Roode (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [-1] James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+1] Frankie Kazarian (5-1-0) (TNA) [X-Division Champion]
#7 [+1] Eve Torres (5-2-0) (WWE) [Divas Champion]
#8 [-3] Ken Anderson (5-3-0) (TNA)
#9 [+1] Rey Mysterio (5-4-0) (WWE)
#10 [new] John Morrison (5-5-0) (WWE)

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+5] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (4-4-0) (WWE)
#3 [new] Sarita & Rosita (2-0-0) (TNA)
#4 [new] Edge & Randy Orton (2-0-0) (WWE)
#5 [new] John Morrison & R-Truth (2-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [new] Rey Mysterio & R-Truth (2-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [RE] Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (2-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#8 [-6] Layla & Michelle McCool (2-1-0) (WWE)
#9 [-4] Madison Rayne & Sarita (2-1-0) (TNA)
#10 [-7] Zack Ryder & Primo Colon (2-2-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR The Rock (0-0-0) (WWE)
Here at the end of the week, it seems like ancient history, but no one can have forgotten the electric shock of February 14's Monday Night RAW announcement of Wrestlemania XXVII's celebrity host!

I was tempted to describe this as a spotlight on "Dwayne Johnson," but I think we all saw quite clearly that FINALLY The Rock has come back to WWE!

In my former life as a columnist for prowrestling.com and an Attitude Era tragic, I generally had more negative things to say about icons, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, than positive. As much as the vivid characters, trademark phrases and moves, and bold storylines were important to me, I valued sport as well as the entertainment. Rock and Austin, to even the most dedicated fan, were not terrific in-ring performers. Not during their prime, at least. Another grinding factor was their omnipresence, which sometimes seemed to only be interrupted by occasional, half-hearted month long glimpses of rival contenders. To a lesser degree, but in similar fashion, it bred resentment in me as a viewer that I now feel toward John Cena (#54) and Randy Orton (#3) without mitigation.

The Rock's return, however, undeniably highlights the contrast between the two periods. While he and Austin had a reign of terror over the main event for a good four or five years, they had the benefit of being far more compelling in their presentation, charismatic in their person, and surrounded by a company that supported this domination, even if it wasn't exactly to my taste.

In twenty minutes, The Rock held a captive audience, who simmered hushed mere moments after exploding into the biggest applause I've heard in years. Rock dipped into some of the sillier turns of phrase that sit awkwardly with his better known repetoire, references to fruity pebbles and hobbits effective, if a little hokey. For the most part, Rock, even without attacking Miz, John Cena, and Michael Cole, revealed everything that made him "The Great One", and has been lost since the mid-late nineties. As critical as I might have ever been of The Rock, I could not deny that he's a great personality, a great talker, and was electric in his return to the ring.

"Damn" and "ass" was flying around the arena as live censors did a mediocre job to keep safely within the Mattel sponsored PG rating. Is that a sign of a shift in the WWE product, post-Donna Goldsmith (Executive Officer key to the Mattel deal, and proponent of the soft PG brand)? The Rock's appearance seemed to rebel against everything that the current WWE is bogged down in.

Will The Rock step into the ring for Wrestlemania? All logic suggests no, even though he laid the verbal smackdown on some of WWE's biggest top stars. It seems unfathomable that Rock will remain uninvolved in the WWE title match between The Miz (#11) and John Cena, but I can't imagine anything more than a Rock Bottom or a People's Elbow. I also can't imagine The Rock leaving WWE before attempting to give the rub to good-guy and company leader, John Cena, with whom he had some legitmate beef with a few years back, but probably has no real problem with. An exit without endorsement seems unfathomable, given the company's reluctance to turn John Cena heel, and their utter dependence on he and Orton in the main event. Then again, there is the small matter of Randy Orton, and who he'll face at Wrestlemania... Psyche!

It was good to see The Rock back, but I don't expect to see a lot of him. Certainly not to the weekly degree some fans have imagined after what was apparently a promise to be 'back for good.' I don't remember anything like that sticking out to me during Rock's rant, but it's been a big story for a lot of outlets. I'm sure The Rock intends to keep wrestling in his heart, and to make future appearances that would constitute 'never going away [for good]', but weekly appearances on RAW? I've got my doubts. It'll be fun finding out, though, as a little slice of the Attitude Era comes back to bring sponteneity and surprise with it. If you smell what The Rock is cooking!

Special Note: At Elimination Chamber (2011) on February 20, 2011; Justin Gabriel (#15) and Heath Slater (#42) defeated Vladimir Kozlov (#22) and Santino Marella (#23) to claim their second Tag Team Championship reign.

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.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 02/13

#1 Alberto Del Rio [+1] (8-2-0) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
The 2011 Royal Rumble winner and Wrestlemania #1 contender is back on top of the Kayfabe Countdown... but you already knew that! Alberto Del Rio came out on top this week with a win against Kofi Kingston (#14), while Edge suffered in the quagmire of a convoluted finish to his Championship defense to Dolph Ziggler (#87). His status as World Champion is supposedly in doubt, which not only robs him of a higher win count than Del Rio, but also much less momentum heading down the road to Wrestlemania.

Wrestlemania XXVII sits late in the cycle this year, April 3rd (as opposed to the frequent March dates), where Del Rio is expected to face the winner of the February Smackdown World heavyweight title Elimination Chamber. Safe money says Edge will be there in the end, but he'll have to best Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre (#15), Rey Mysterio (#10), Kane (#40), and Wade Barrett (#35), to carry the belt into 'Mania. A Mexicasa match-up with Mysterio strikes me as a somewhat tantalizing outsider possibility, but it seems the mounting uncertainty surrounding wrestling's biggest show of the calendar is almost exclusively on the RAW side.

There will be no WWE Pay-Per-View event in March, meaning there's still plenty of TV time for plans to change, but Edge/Del Rio stands as one of the more certain outcomes. The blue brand's other marquee match will involve Undertaker's annual outing, where a variety of possible challengers to the 18-0 streak of wins have been raised, raging from Wade Barrett and his Corre, Kane, and even a returning Triple H -- who would otherwise be expected to face his arch-rival, Sheamus (#86), in revenge for eliminating him in October of last year. That's a discussion for another Countdown spotlight, however...

#2 [-1] Edge (7-1-1) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#3 [--] Robert Roode (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#4 [--] James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [--] Ken Anderson (5-3-0) (TNA)
#6 [+4] Jeff Jarrett (4-1-1) (TNA)
#7 [RE] Frankie Kazarian (4-1-0) (TNA) [X-Division Champion]
#8 [new] Eve Torres (4-1-0) (WWE) [Divas Champion]
#9 [new] Tyler Reks (4-1-0) (WWE)
#10 [-4] Rey Mysterio (4-3-0) (WWE)

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (5-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (2-1-0) (WWE)
#3 [--] Zack Ryder & Primo Colon (2-1-0) (WWE)
#4 [--] Yoshi Tatsu & DH Smith (2-1-0) (WWE)
#5 [RE] Madison Rayne & Sarita (2-1-0) (TNA)
#6 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (2-3-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#7 [new] Brother Devon & Samoa Joe (1-0-1) (TNA)
#8 [-2] Eve Torres & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#9 [-2] Natalya Neidhart & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#10 [-2] Randy Orton & Jerry Lawler (1-0-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#27 Samoa Joe (2-0-1) (TNA)
Late last year, I talked about some of my hopes for Samoa Joe in another spotlight [November 14], but admittedly, soon forgot about them as more probable eventualities took priority. Here, on the eve of TNA: Against All Odds, I find those old thoughts creeping back in, however.

On the Pay-Per-View, Joe was successful against "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero (#101), in a grudge match formed by Pope's largely unprovoked attack on Joe. It was nice to see "The Samoan Submission Machine" winning matches once again, but the glory was bittersweet, given how flimsy the pairing's association has been. On the same show, Jeff Hardy (#21) defeated Mr. Anderson (#5) to recapture the Heavyweight title, despite his pending legal hearings that will see him plead guilty for minor charges of drug possession. I'd consider Jeff Hardy a worthy champion, one who stands far above Anderson on any legitimate contender list, but when you combine these two results, it's impossible to ignore better days in Total Non-Stop Action.

From April to October in 2008, Samoa Joe held the TNA Heavyweight Championship. It is, to date, his only top reign in the company, but a memorable one for it's position at the top of a TNA that was much more sports focused than the current product. Joe was extremely competitive against top class opponents like; Kurt Angle (#61), Booker T (#95), and Sting -- legends of the industry who appeared to be working with, and for, the star for a new generation. Samoa Joe might not have matinee idol good looks working in his favour, or a towering muscle bound physique, but his in-ring skill and energy was proven in that year that he held the title belt.

In 2011, that hardwork and credibility might as well have never been there.
Under the Hulk Hogan/Eric Bischoff regime -- which arrived at the beginning of 2010 -- the sports-lite focus that made TNA great has eroded away. With the exit of AJ Styles from the title picture early in 2010, there has been an effective reboot of reality, their focus readjusting squarely on talent established outside of TNA. Their three champions might not have held unquestioned favour in World Wrestling Entertainment, but it's fair to say Rob Van Dam (#44), Jeff Hardy, and Ken Anderson, are all still reasonably considered products of the other company's system. Their elevation in TNA is arguably a total positive, but it's eventuality at the expensive of once promising and credible contenders, like Samoa Joe, is a glaring negative.

Tall men like Abyss (#63) and Matt Morgan (#33) have been given glimpses of opportunity, as old habits die hard for the current regime. Even these plans of mixed merit have been abandoned and short-lived gestures, all too familiar to those old WCW days. All the while a tested champion is left to job to joke-MMA masters, and suffer the indignities of a match-up contrived from juvenile namecalling.

RVD has overdue claim to a title shot, missing out on a rematch against Jeff Hardy as a result of various distractions. I wouldn't begrudge him finally reentering the picture, but Samoa Joe is being utterly wasted in idiotic, go nowhere feuds that are completely removed from the title. Even if he isn't in the championship feud, he should be loitering outside the main event. He should be benefitting from competitive wrestling, instead of squandered against other mismanaged mid-carders who're making jokes about pigs. He should be the wrestler he once was, when he was defending the championship against the best and looking right at home. He should be the next contender; one not facing legal complications, one with main event credibility, one who doesn't owe his marquee value to somewhere else.

Special Note: Jeff Hardy (#21) defeated Ken Anderson (#5) to regain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at the TNA: Against All Odds on February 13. Frankie Kazarian (#7) retained the X-Division Championship against Robbie E (#56), who progressed to the match by default when Max (#50) and Jeremy Buck (#53) failed to appear for their contender match due to 'travel problems.'

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.

MKO: Mortal Spotlight: Jeri Ryan on the Set of Mortal Kombat!

Jeri Ryan has been one busy actress... With a career in film and television spanning twenty years; Ryan has acted in starring roles in many successful primetime dramas, including Dark Skies, Boston Public, Shark, The OC, and Law & Order: SVU. For some, she will be best remembered as the cult sci-fi heroine of more than one hundred episodes -- Seven of Nine, from TV's Star Trek: Voyager. An impressive body of work by any measure, but for fans of a certain conccurently running twenty-year video game franchise, about to pale in comparison to a ten episode, digitally distributed series!

Ryan's association with Mortal Kombat began in June, with the online leak of a high-quality production demo called Mortal Kombat: Rebirth [full story]. The eight minute clip, directed by Kevin Tancharoen (Fame, DanceLife), presented a stark reinterpretation of the MK mythos, with a bent toward over-the-top, gritty urban adaptation. Acting opposite action favourite, Michael Jai White (Spawn, Black Dynamite), during interrogation scenes led by his Jax ; Ryan completed the Special Forces duo as a file wielding, business suited Sonya Blade. For fans concerned the former Miss Illinois will be a paper pushing wallflower version of the fighting Lieutenant, Jeri Ryan has provided pictorial documentation of her action packed role! Via Twitter, the actress promises "ass is being kicked," showing off battle scars from her kombat experience, which includes kicking the occasional door on the Vancouver location shoot, as well! Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1362

MKO: Liu Kang Biography Vignette Released!

Gamespot have exclusively revealed the first-look at number four in a series of character vignettes, each designed to spotlight the backstory of classic fighters in the lead up to entering Mortal Kombat!


Liu Kang is featured this time, lamenting on his training as a child with Shaolin Monk, to his special mastery under the Outworld-born master, Bo' Rai Cho (introduced to the canon in Deadly Alliance). Referencing his relationship with Raiden, the vignette appears to retain the expectation of Liu Kang as Earthrealm's greatest warrior and eventual champion.

As a young orphan, Liu Kang was trained by monks, ultimately becoming a Shaolin expert under Master Bo' Rai Cho. Assisted by the God of Thunder; Liu Kang is Earthrealm's best hope for freedom -- and survival! Liu Kang is destined to reach the final challenge and become the champion of Mortal Kombat!

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1360

MKO: Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors

It was in 1993, on the back of the success of the original Mortal Kombat, that two Belgian electronica artists set about creating a dance anthem inspired by the game. Techno Syndrome, in it's varied mixes, has gone on to be one of the most memorable novelty songs of it's time, popularized through use in the 1995 Mortal Kombat feature film [coming to BluRay in April], as well as television marketing for home console release of the games prior to the movie, and pop culture references following. It was even included as bonus material in Sega CD releases of the game.

Oliver Adams and Maurice Engelen (Praga Khan) -- who were well known at the time for their work as part of the Industrial Techno collective, Lords of Acid -- were tapped by Virgin Records America to produce a complete concept album as soundtrack to the game as The Immortals.

Mortal Kombat: The Album was released subsequently in 1994, featuring ten original tracks inspired by the game and it's seven playable characters. Shang Tsung was notably the only character to go without a song; the rest of the cast, (including famous sub-boss, Goro), benefitting from high energy dance tracks, with descriptive titles and lyrics based on characters' biographies. Original tracks, Techno Syndrome and Hypnotic House, even boast soundbytes from the Sega version of the game, said to have been provided for the album.

In 2011, Warner Brothers' WaterTower Music will team with Teenage Riot Records to continue this MK musical tradition, producing a soundtrack for a new generation and a new game -- Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors!

Executive produced by Teenage Riot co-founder, JFK (of MSTRKRFT); the album is set to provide a contemporary take on the soundtrack concept, providing a more subtle source of inspiration in the mix, drawing from various styles to deliver an album of tracks "Inspired by the Warriors".

A complete tracklisting is yet to be made available, but music from the album has already been featured in character vignettes for Mileena, and most recently, Liu Kang. These singles, performed by Tokimonsta and Congorock, have been made avaialble for pre-release download on Amazon ($0.99) and iTunes ($1.29), along with Sub-Zero's theme.

• Mileena's Theme by Tokimonsta (3:28) [Amazon/iTunes]


• Sub-Zero's Theme (Helado) by Harvard Bass (7:21) [Amazon/iTunes]
  
• Liu Kang's Theme by Congorock (3:42) [Amazon/iTunes

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1361

MKO: Russian Website Releases Sindel Screenshots!

It was another scoop from our friends in Russia, this time a collection of screenshots previously exclusive to print domains. 1C.ru have six previously embargoed in-game screen grabs showcasing the lush background environments from the new game, as well as some of it's classic characters in not-yet seen classic poses!

These screenshots mark the first widely available viewing of Queen Sindel -- the Edenian royal who became Shao Kahn's bride and took her own life. Given the new games retro setting, we can be sure Sindel will be right in the heart of the action as the game revisits storylines leading up to and including Mortal Kombat 3!

Sindel's Banshee Scream is on display in the shots, along with classic special moves belonging to Sonya, Jax, Scorpion, and perhaps Ermac -- who is another of the returning characters yet to be showcased extensively.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1359

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 02/06

#1 Edge [+1] (7-1-0) (WWE)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
It seems Alberto Del Rio's victory in the Royal Rumble has fulfilled WWE's hard working plans for the Mexican superstar, at least for now. Edge has risen rapidly in the win/loss rankings to leap from 2011 obscurity, back into second place for last week's [January 30] Countdown! In a year when John Cena (#99) has begun his road to Wrestlemania without a single victory; Edge's 87% win rate from eight matches in five weeks has to be considered no small feat!

Edge was unsurprisingly successful in defending his championship against unlikely contender, Dolph Ziggler (#76), whose fortunes have been inverse to Edge's (1-7-0 win/loss/draw), including losing the Intercontinental Championship immediately before his entry into the World title picture. I'm not sure I'll ever agree with the favour Edge has garnered in his role as a main event player, but it's undeniable that Ziggler was not yet ready to step up into the role. I appreciate, particularly with a WWE Champion as green as The Miz (#37) working on RAW, that bookers saw fit to grant Ziggler the opportunity, without prematurely following through on it.

Pseudo-babyface Edge appears to be carrying a little babyfat right now, but that hasn't stopped WWE investing heavily in the "Rated R Superstar," who replaced Kane (#73) as Smackdown's resident World Heavyweight Champion. With an opportunity to main event Wrestlemania in a title bout against Del Rio on the line; you'd have to think Edge will be relatively secure when he defends the belt in an Elimination Chamber at the February event of the same name. His opponents will be Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Drew McIntyre (#17), Rey Mysterio (#6), and Wade Barrett (#68), presenting the most likely alternate as Mysterio, whose feud with Del Rio was supposedly ended in a match won via count-out due to interference. An all-Mexican main event would certainly be a welcome change from WWE's typically unkind booking to international stars, but is only an outside possibility.

#2 [-1] Alberto Del Rio (6-2-0) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
#3 [--] Robert Roode (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#4 [--] James Storm (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [RE] Ken Anderson (4-2-0) (TNA) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#6 [RE] Rey Mysterio (4-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [-2] Kofi Kingston (4-3-0) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]
#8 [-2] Randy Orton (4-3-0) (WWE)
#9 [RE] Yoshi Tatsu (4-3-0) (WWE)
#10 [-3] Jeff Jarrett (3-0-1) (TNA)

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [RE] Layla & Michelle McCool (2-1-0) (WWE)
#3 [-1] Zack Ryder & Primo Colon (2-1-0) (WWE)
#4 [RE] Yoshi Tatsu & DH Smith (2-1-0) (WWE)
#5 [RE] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (2-3-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#6 [-3] Eve Torres & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [-2] Natalya Neidhart & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#8 [-2] Randy Orton & Jerry Lawler (1-0-0) (WWE)
#9 [-2] Angelina Love & Winter (1-0-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag Team Champions]
#10 [-2] Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy (1-0-0) (TNA)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR Sting (0-0-0) (Independent)
A promo promising something mysterious for Monday night's RAW on the 21st of February has sparked speculation and theories about the imminent arrival of one of wrestling's biggest stars never to sign with WWE. The Sting phenomenon owes it's origins to the days of NWA (National Wrestling Alliance), but was solidified in WCW (World Championship Wrestling), where he eventually transformed from a brightly coloured surfer, to a gothic, comic-book inspired Crow style figure, clad in long trench coat.

While the "2 21 11" promo features a black figure in a long coat, and bares superficial similarities to promo reels from Sting's WCW days, there isn't a doubt in my mind that says this is a sign of the return of The Undertaker. [Undertaker] was bundled out in October last year at Bragging Rights, where he lost a Buried Alive gimmick match to fictitious brother, Kane. His only subsequent appearance featured the Deadman in a long hall, stepping through a door into white light -- imagery similar to previous instances of the Undertaker's theatrics, which have suggested many experiences with the afterlife.

These new promo vignettes, set in the rainy gloom of a solitary desert shanti, harken back to the original concept of Undertaker, which was directed toward the archetype of a Wild West figure, rather than the overtly supernatural, gothic overtones that the character is well remembered for. The video is either part of a return campaign that will be told exclusively in clips, or merely hype for the Undertaker's return from his previous bizarre video sequence. It may represent an Undertaker who has 'gone home', and come back stronger -- in time for Wrestlemania, which is a key part of his dominant mythology.

The looming significance of Wrestlemania plays a part in Sting theories, as well, given that the show is returning to WCW's spiritual home of Atlanta. WWE's annual Hall of Fame is expected to include representatives of the WCW era, and Sting is certainly among the top contenders who haven't already been inducted -- but will it happen? If it does, I don't think the 2 21 11 clips will have any part to play.

In the recent past, Sting has flirted with permanent retirement, but seems to be persuaded to come back to action time after time by a paycheque, and some sense of loyalty to a group who has opposed the oft-times dominant WWE, for two decades. His most recent performances have been with TNA (Total Non-Stop Action), often described as being as much about giving the fledgling company a chance to rise, as any aspiration to maintain his iconic status as one of wrestling's biggest stars.

Special Note: Technical difficulties meant the publication of this post was delayed [until February 11]. A second "2 21 11" vignette has aired, finishing with the Johnny Cash "Ain't No Grave" song used to promote Undertaker's 2010 Wrestlemania clash with Shawn Michaels. It seems a certainty the promos refer to WWE's "Phenom", rather than the Stinger.

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.

MKO: Mortal Kombat on Blu-Ray - with Bonus DLC!

In 1995, Mortal Kombat was released to theatres worldwide, grossing a respectable $23 million dollars in it's opening weekend in the United States. An American launching pad for British director, Paul Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon), the film was also a watershed moment for the licensing of video game properties in Hollywood, which to that point, had resulted in critical and financial failure in the box office.

The movie was the culmination of a licensing agreement between major players of the time, then MK-owners Midway Games, and production studio, Threshold Entertainment. The deal would go on to produce a film sequel; animated series, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm; live-action television show, Mortal Kombat: Conquest; and interactive live-action web series, Federation of Martial Arts.

In 2011, the original Mortal Kombat movie remains among the most popular and successful films to be based on video games. With the aquisition of the brand by Warner Brothers, both the original movie and it's 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, will get a new lease on life in the Blu-Ray format with a re-release targetted for April 19.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1346

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 01/30

#1 Alberto Del Rio [--] (6-2-0) (WWE) [Royal Rumble]
As of today, Alberto Del Rio is going to Wrestlemania to challenge the Champion of his choosing... but you already knew that. I had my doubts, but Del Rio's 2011 push has carried him all the way to victory in the first ever forty-man Royal Rumble! As phenomenal an achievement as it is, it comes bittersweet for the rising star. His entry was late, number thirty-eight, with the final elimination being an utterly unconvincing Santino Marella (#60). While that finish might've been very weak, Del Rio did have the honor of eliminating title contender, Randy Orton (#6)!

Del Rio's Wrestlemania opponent remains to be seen, as does the likelihood of WWE honoring the tradition of Royal Rumble winners getting their shot in the biggest main event match of the calendar. The safe bet might be a bout with current World Champion, Edge (#2), who defeated Dolph Ziggler (#67) in a title defense at Royal Rumble. Keeping Del Rio on Smackdown would seem a benefit to his style as a wrestler, similarly to the strength of the show in Mexican markets, but you never know! Recent appearances on RAW may indicate more than an intent to promote Del Rio ahead of his Rumble win. Given that RAW's WWE Championship seems likely to be contended between a combination of current champ, The Miz (#30), John Cena (#86), and Randy Orton, a switch is long odds, though.

#2 [RE] Edge (5-1-0) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#3 [-1] Robert Roode (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#4 [-1] James Storm (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [+1] Kofi Kingston (4-2-0) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]
#6 [-2] Randy Orton (4-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [+1] Jeff Jarrett (3-0-1) (TNA)
#8 [new] Frankie Kazarian (3-1-0) (TNA) [X-Division Champion]
#9 [-4] Chris Masters (3-1-0) (WWE)
#10 [new] Primo Colon (3-1-0) (WWE)

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (4-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [new] Zack Ryder & Primo Colon (2-0-0) (WWE)
#3 [-1] Eve Torres & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#4 [--] Natalya Neidhart & Eve Torres (1-0-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Natalya Neidhart & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [--] Randy Orton & Jerry Lawler (1-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [--] Angelina Love & Winter (1-0-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag Team Champions]
#8 [--] Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy (1-0-0) (TNA)
#9 [--] Chris Masters & JTG (1-0-0) (WWE)
#10 [new] Yoshi Tatsu & Primo Colon (1-0-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#80 Booker T (0-1-0) (WWE)
Historically, the Royal Rumble is a match built on the excitement of the unknown. The potential for multiple would-be contenders to win, along with the random draw of wrestlers, is a certain draw, but there's something extra special about the potential for surprise entrants! In 2011, the biggest surprises came in the form of Booker T and Kevin Nash (#84) -- two WCW alumnists who'd left the company, joining opposition TV promotion, Total Non-Stop Action, since.

Booker T, having departed from TNA in 2008, seemed to be heading toward retirement, but with days to go, semi-confirmation of terms met between he and WWE created a new buzz about the first ever forty-man Royal Rumble. It put an end to speculation about TNA's plans for a resurrection of the Main Event Mafia stable, who were tipped to be the most likely party responsibe for "THEY" -- a second incarnation of a teased organization.

Booker (and Nash's) unavailability for the TNA angle appears to have given way to standing plans to return AJ Styles (#70) and members of Fortune to TNA favourite status, creating a silver lining of a situation that would only have been made worse by the return of tiring WCW/WWE retirees. That said, this is no slight to Booker T and Kevin Nash, as they head towards the possibility of a wrestling role in WWE.

Booker T remains a respectable talent, who never truly received the dues he earned in WWE. The prospect of his return garnering some sort of main event situation would be potentially quite joyous in WWE, where RAW remains bogged down in a mix of unworthy champions, aborted prospects, and the usual suspects (Orton, Cena). There's plenty of room for Booker to energize the top title divisions on RAW, or even Smackdown, where he would be forced to compete with Alberto Del Rio's momentum, but would be a pleasant change of pace as a challenger, as opposed to someone like Edge. On Smackdown, he would potentially arrive alongside Nash, who took a moment to stare down Big Show (#22) during the Rumble -- possible build for a feud, or a union against Wade Barrett (#91) and his Corre, who currently have beef with Big Show. Perhaps an opposing trio could form?

It's impossible not to speculate about the these returning WCW alumnists without mentioning 2011's Hall of Fame inductions, which will coincide with Wrestlemania's arrival in Atlanta -- the home of the now defunct WCW. Booker and Nash could easily have been brought in with a view to induct them into the HOF as representing WCW/WWE stars. Speculation persists that Sting might also join them, despite "The Icon's" long history of refusing offers from the company. Diamond Dallas Page has to be considered another outsider prospect, with Bill Goldberg always on the WCW-noted periphery. Also on a Wrestlemania note is the potential for wrestling The Undertaker in his famed Wrestlemania slot, but there's plenty of time for that...

Special Note: This week's Countdown includes results from the WWE: Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View event (Jan. 30). On the show, Eve Torres (#14) defeated Natalya Neidhart (#18) to win the Divas Championship in a fatal four-way match also involving Layla (#48) and Michelle McCool (#23).

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.

MKO: Mortal Kombat Action Figures Coming Soon

Since assuming ownership of Midway's intellectual properties in July of 2010 [full story], Warner Brothers have shown clear intent to capitalize on the Mortal Kombat brand in all of it's potential licensing and merchandising mediums.

To accompany the release of the upcoming game in April, a series of licensing deals have already been formed by WB and it's subsidiaries, to produce: an Official Strategy Guide with Prima Games; a custom game stick by PDP [Performance Designed Products]; an as yet untitled digitally released live-action series; and a concept music album with Teenage Riot Records, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors.

In Spring, their massive merchandising line-up will be joined by a series of new action figures released by Jazwares. The deal is a return of the MK license to the toy manufacturer, who created three series of action figures inspired by Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, from 2005 to 2007.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1345

MKO: Liu Kang Confirmed by Official Website!

He made a surprise appearance in yesterday's IGN Inside the X-Ray behind-the-scenes featurette [full story], but today, it's official: Liu Kang is back!

Described on the Official Mortal Kombat website as "The Returning Champion" -- MK's iconic four-time big hero is a surprisingly late entrant into the new game. He's looking much healthier, though, after suffering a lethal broken neck in the opening scene from Deadly Alliance, before being resurrected as a zombie for Deception and Armageddon.

The time travel premise of Mortal Kombat means Liu Kang is, theoretically, in his element, enjoying the success that comes from entering and winning the Mortal Kombat tournament. There can be no guarantees, however, that Liu is still the chosen champion to represent the Shaolin order and all of humanity. A recently revealed blurb from the Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide gave us a strong indication that the existing canon could possibly expect some lasting changes.

Fortunately, much like his spinal column, Liu Kang's history remains in tact. The Official website offers a brief blurb alluding to his extensive training as a Shaolin fighting monk, including recognition from Raiden and his special training with Bo' Rai Cho.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1344

MKO: IGN: Inside the X-Ray Special Feature!

IGN have launched a special featurette taking players inside the practical and stylistic development of Mortal Kombat's exciting new special feature, X-Ray attacks!

The featurette includes sitdown talking heads from inside NetherRealm Studios, with first-hand discussion about the inspiration and intent behind the new attacks from Lead Designer, John Edwards; Director of Art, Steve Beran; and Art Designer, Carlos Pesina. They take us inside the development process, from conceptual stages, to the practicalities of CG model building, motion capture, animation, and the finished product.

Amongst the bone breaking, internal organ bursting mayhem are glimpses of various characters confirmed, but yet to be seen: CG resources reveal skeletal components for Baraka and Goro, the latter seen administering his X-Ray special along with previous confirmation, Ermac, in a previously unseen stage. Also seen for the first time in 2011 form, Mortal Kombat's traditional champion, Liu Kang. Appearing as a victim in some sequences, MK3 alumnist, Stryker. Also glimpsed by eagle-eyed viewers, Jade!

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1343

MKO: Official UK Xbox Magazine Preview and Pictures

January 26, 2011 -- The Official UK Xbox Magazine has a brand new Mortal Kombat preview online, featuring six unseen screenshots that show-off both fighters' dynamic move stances, as well as the material repercussions delt to their state of dress!

The preview, free to read at OXM.co.uk, makes cultural note of some of the proportionate peculiarities of of MK's fighting femme fatales, but is mostly generous in it's assessment of the series' latest installment. Of particular interest, the specials bar that controls players' access to upgraded special moves, combo breakers, and the already trademark X-Ray attacks, which show more complexity than a mere brute force body blow.

More interesting is what happens at the second stage. Hit the trigger at that point while you're being wailed on and you'll be able to stop any offensive combination dead. Given that the combo system is more accessible and flexible than it was in previous games, this is likely to come in handy.

Finally, once it's topped up, you get access to those miniature fatalities that are the X-Ray moves. While they won't finish your opponent off, they're satisfying, showstopper attacks that look like they cause genuine, medically accurate harm.

They're by no means an instant win button, though. X-Ray moves come in different flavours. Some must be pulled off while in close proximity to your opponent while others, such as Sektor's rocket attack, are projectiles that can connect from a distance.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1342

MKO: Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide Pre-Order Details

As reported in a previous story; gaming retailer GameStop have updated their listings to include the upcoming April 1st release of the Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide.

Available in two editions, the guide is published by Prima Games, a division of Random House known for the quality of their work on thousands of well known strategy books, including guides for many of the majority of previous MK titles.

You can currently pre-order standard and collector's editions of the guide through GameStop's online store, at a price of $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. Details about the contents of the guide, and what separates the two versions, remains largely unspecified. Descriptions for the game, however, do make interesting references to the nature of Mortal Kombat and it's plot, implying the canon of the games may be in store for some changes.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1340

MKO: Mortal Kombat Digital Series Officially Announced

Warner Premiere has today issued an official press release to announce their upcoming ten episode, live-action digital series based on Mortal Kombat. A formality to confirm what was already widely reported January 15th; the release reiterates Kevin Tancharoen's role as director of the shorts, with filming set to start in Vancouver this February.

In reference to Tancharoen's work on the well known Mortal Kombat: Rebirth viral video [full story], the press release makes deliberate note of it's status as an "unofficial fan short." The ten episodes are also described as revealing unseen history regarding the characters fans "know and love", suggesting the digital series may have much closer ties to the video game canon than the urbanized versions seen in Rebirth.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1338

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 01/23

#1 Alberto Del Rio [+1] (4-1-0)
(WWE: Smackdown)
Last week, a gaffe in the system meant Alberto Del Rio was, at first, wrongly credited as the #1 ranking star. With no losses to weigh him down, Kofi Kingston was in actual fact our top ranking wrestler for Jan. 16! After suffering defeat at the hands of a Jack Swagger "amateur wrestling" challenge, however, the IC champ has made way for the only four-time victor in 2011! His name is Alberto Del Rio, but... you already knew that.

Del Rio continues to make a lot of noise about his intentions to win the Royal Rumble, which surely means he won't. It does seem all together too premature to expect an accolade of this statue -- which carries with it a main event championship match at Wrestlemania -- to be carried by a wrestler as new to WWE as Del Rio. That certainly won't diminish my enjoyment of his attempts to win, none the less. I would fully expect at least a final four berth in the Rumble, if nothing else. No mean feat when you consider that this will be the first time forty men contest the match!

#2 [+2] Robert Roode (3-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#3 [+2] James Storm (3-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#4 [+2] Randy Orton (3-0-0) (WWE)
#5 [+3] Chris Masters (3-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [-5] Kofi Kingston (3-1-0) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]
#7 [+2] Yoshi Tatsu (3-1-0) (WWE)
#8 [-5] Jeff Jarrett (2-0-1) (TNA)
#9 [-2] Matt Hardy (2-0-0) (TNA)
#10 [new] Natalya Neidhart (2-0-0) (WWE) [Divas Champion]

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (3-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [--] Eve Torres & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#3 [--] Madison Rayne & Sarita (1-0-0) (TNA)
#4 [--] Natalya Neidhart & Eve Torres (1-0-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Natalya Neidhart & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [--] Randy Orton & Jerry Lawler (1-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [--] Angelina Love & Winter (1-0-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag Team Champions]
#8 [--] Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy (1-0-0) (TNA)
#9 [--] Chris Masters & JTG (1-0-0) (WWE)
#10 [--] Yoshi Tatsu & David Hart Smith (1-0-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR Mason Ryan (0-0-0) (WWE) [FCW Heavyweight Champion]
Standing 6'6" and weighing in at a billed 298lbs, you'd be forgiven for mistaking Mason Ryan for another well built 6'6" wrestler in the 290 weight class. There's no escaping that Mason Ryan bares an uncanny resemblance to the freakishly built Dave Batista, but there are a few key differences setting the two apart... Okay, there's one: he's Welsh.

We'll try not to hold that against him, however, as he embarks on a long anticipated career in WWE, called up from the FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling) developmental territory to become the newest member of CM Punk's (#30) "New Nexus" on this week's episode of RAW. Ryan -- who toured with Smackdown during their time in the UK and has appeared in dark matches -- made his debut in fine fashion, leaping from the crowd to dominate John Cena (#67) before receiving an armband from the new Nexus leader. He fills the void of departing members Justin Gabriel (#31) and Heath Slater (#NR), who've joined Smackdown as part of Wade Barrett's (#75) off-shoot group, The Corre.

With a physique that seems readily comparable to the recently departed Batista, it seems likely that Mason Ryan will have a similarly bright future ahead of him. While it's a shame to think that the Nexus now has only one original member, David Otunga (#NR), it's pleasing to see WWE be so active in their pursuit of new talent. Mason Ryan may have a while to go before he breaks off as a solo star, or has the legitimate skills to have reason to, but his arrival is part of an on-going refreshment that makes 2011 seem very promising.

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.

MKO: Mileena Gameplay Trailer

NetherRealm Studios have released the next in their line of official character gameplay montages, this time featuring the malicious moves of man-eater, Mileena!


To download the videos yourself, you can use these links:

• Mileena Trailer: Looking for a Playmate? (HD) ( - 75.81 MB)
• Mileena Trailer: Looking for a Playmate? (SD) ( - 56.83 MB)

Mileena's trademark sai weapons play a prominent role as a classic projectile, along with other favourite moves from previous appearances, her telerport kick, rolling thunder, and a smoothly integrated leaping bite, among the highlights. The video shows off the improved fluidity of Mortal Kombat's new fighting engine, boasting seamless tag team assists, as well as bone crushing X-Ray specials!

Also included: dialogue between Mileena and an unseen character, whose voice was previously attributed to MK3 alumnist, Stryker, in a series of leaked audio files. It remains unclear if this is part of a seemingly interactive pre-fight intro sequence, or a brief snippet of the games confirmed story mode, which will operate similarly to the mode seen in 2008's Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe.

More intriguing, perhaps, is the appearance of a new background character. Over the course of previews, Shao Kahn's Coliseum has played host to a small handful of chained women in reference to the Mortal Kombat II appearance of Sonya and Kano.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1336

Wrestling: Matt Hardy New 2011 Theme?!

... Because self-aggrandizing announcements about the silliest things just aren't helping. It's not fair, I can sympathize, but geez... Time to put up and shut up!

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 01/16

#2 Alberto Del Rio [+3] (3-1-0)
(WWE: Smackdown)
I fully expected to have to defend the presence of Jeff Jarrett at the top of the Kayfabe Countdown rankings for at least a few weeks. He started the year with a triple threat week of matches, appearing twice on the first Impact of the year, and again on Pay-Per-View in a no contest pseudo-MMA encounter with Kurt Angle. Fortunately, I hadn't counted on WWE flexing the muscles of their vast network of programming hours to show a proper investment in Spanish Smackdown up-and-comer, Alberto Del Rio.

A legacy luchadore better known to Mexican fans as Dos Caras Jr; the now unmasked star was in the Kayfabe Countdown spotlight in 2010 [December 19]. Just a few weeks later, he's topping the countdown, fresh off an encounter on RAW with soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels. The sweet chin music finisher might have put a retiree on higher ground than a fresh face, but the honor of interrupting the Heartbreak Kid in his big moment is already being universally praised as the ultimate rub for a could-be future legend.

It hasn't been all smooth sailing for Del Rio. Plans for a feud with Christian were abruptly ended by a wrist injury, and last week on Smackdown, Del Rio's prolonged feud with babyface lucha, Rey Mysterio, was given 'final battle' billing despite a dubious countout victory in the third of a Best of Three falls. Not a terribly convincing way to end a feud, but I guess it's still a good win for a 2010 recruit some are billing as a legitimate contender for the upcoming Royal Rumble.

#1 [+2] Kofi Kingston (3-0-0) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]
#3 [-2] Jeff Jarrett (2-0-1) (TNA)
#4 [+2] Robert Roode (2-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#5 [+2] James Storm (2-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champion]
#6 [+2] Randy Orton (2-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [new] Matt Hardy (2-0-0) (TNA)
#8 [new] Chris Masters (2-0-0) (WWE)
#9 [new] Yoshi Tatsu (2-0-0) (WWE)
#10 [-8] Ken Anderson (2-1-0) (TNA) [World Heavyweight Champion]

#1 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (2-0-0) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#2 [+1] Eve Torres & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#3 [+1] Madison Rayne & Sarita (1-0-0) (TNA)
#4 [+1] Natalya Neidhart & Eve Torres (1-0-0) (WWE)
#5 [+1] Natalya Neidhart & Brie Bella (1-0-0) (WWE)
#6 [new] Randy Orton & Jerry Lawler (1-0-0) (WWE)
#7 [new] Angelina Love & Winter (1-0-0) (TNA) [Knockouts Tag Team Champions]
#8 [new] Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy (1-0-0) (TNA)
#9 [new] Chris Masters & JTG (1-0-0) (WWE)
#10 [new] Yoshi Tatsu & David Hart Smith (1-0-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#67 Wade Barrett
(0-2-0) (WWE)
NXT Season One raised a lot of questions about the WWE's newest TV project; some good, some bad. It might have been argued that Bryan Danielson (#37) (WWE packaged as Daniel Bryan) was given the short end of the stick, but when you consider the explosive impact of the entire cast's assault on RAW, including the decimation of John Cena and the very ring he had occupied, I guess everyone came up trumps for at least a night.

The Nexus has been plagued with problems for the majority of it's duration. Danielson was briefly let go for an obscure no-choke rule on the soft core PG show, Skip Sheffield took an injury, and the group was booked weak before their time when push came to shove. If nothing else looked sure to come out of Nexus in the longterm, Wade Barrett was it.

As some cynics might've predicted back at the beginning, John Cena got the better of his rookie-turned-revolutionary nemesis, devastating him before the end of 2010 in a chair match Barrett won't want to remember any time soon. A legitimate injury suffered by John Cena during a cage match at a houseshow was ultimately a blessing for Barrett, offering some unlikely, but much needed credibility, even if it's slim pickings as an untelevised victory. However, desperately searching for a way forward, The Nexus have been given a lifeline in new management, CM Punk stepping in to the role after an unflattering week of absence from the decimated Barrett. Worse still; rather than tackle the situation head-on, it now seems Barrett has been shipped off to the internally perceived "B-Show," where he'll be invited to do it all over again with the aid of Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Ezekiel Jackson, on Smackdown.

Giving Barrett the chance to shine on a wrestling centric show has the potential to be another blessing in disguise, if it doesn't claim too many of the other stars on the show, ie; Countdown #1, Alberto Del Rio. Even so, I hope against hope that WWE are able to overcome their stubborn opposition to the idea of heels fighting heels, giving Barrett the chance to at least respond to CM Punk's subordination and his teammates' treason. It just doesn't seem fair to a character who put so much into the angle, carrying it at times with a charisma quite unlike his fellows'. Personally, I think it would make a fantastic Wrestlemania showdown, but before we start looking that far ahead, there's a Royal Rumble to consider. Neutral territory for opposing Nexus' to planet the seeds of a bigger feud in March? Fingers crossed!

Special Note: Last week's Kayfabe Countdown [January 9] required a correction to account for WWE.com's failure to list a rematch between newly crowned Intercontinental Champion, Kofi Kingston (#2), and losing champ, Dolph Ziggler (#48). The double result is counted in last week's edited Countdown, and this week as well.

Additional: Last week's Kofi Kingston error has trickled into this week, creating another false result. Kofi Kingston is actually #1, Alberto Del Rio a close #2.

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.