Appearing on Monday’s edition of the Right After Wrestling Sirius satellite radio show, former WWE superstar Carlito opened up about being depressed and trying to leave the company on numerous occasions before he was finally released due to his refusal to enter rehab for an alleged pain pill addiction.

On wanting to get the hell out of WWE: “I had been asking for my release for a long time. I tried to finish up my contract, which I think was up in August. I had been trying to leave for about three years. For the last year, I was just miserable. I wasn’t even myself. I was dying just to get away.”

On being fired for a Wellness Policy infraction and refusing to go to rehab: “I wouldn’t say I got myself fired on purpose, but in that last year, I really didn’t care. They wanted me to go to rehab. My opinion was I didn’t need it. I’m not addicted to pills. I think what happened is I was depressed. I have scripts (for pain medication) legit reasons for using them. I think I was abusing them as anti-depressants instead. I remember other people not in WWE would tell me to go to rehab because it looks good on paper. I said, ‘One, I don’t want to keep my job. Two, I’m not going to admit to a problem I don’t have.’”

On the grinding travel and not being utilized properly on television: “I was always grinding. I was always working. Mainly, my big problem was I thought they were f**king with me. I didn’t like the mind games and all the bulls*** they were putting me through. Maybe it was all in my head, but I just felt that’s what they were doing with me. I could never get a straight answer. I get sometimes you have to take a backseat, but how long am I supposed to sit in the back?”

On dealing with the backstage politics and people’s claims that he was lazy: “I remember people would tell me to just play the game. I can’t just play the game. I can’t be fake. I love the business, I just don’t like the politics. I want to be able to help out and give back in somehow. In WWE, I wasn’t doing any of that. I also felt I was gypping the people (in WWE) putting in three-minute matches that didn’t mean anything. It just breaks your heart when you can give so much more.”

Labels: carlito

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

Below is the content listing for WWE’s upcoming three-disc DVD set titled “Satan’s Playground: The Elimination Chamber Anthology.” The set comes out on July 13th.

It’s worth noting that the Elimination Chamber match at New Year’s Revolution 2005, won by Triple H, also featured Chris Benoit. The content listing doesn’t mention Benoit by name and the DVD will likely only feature parts of the match.

Disc 1:

The Chamber is born.

Survivor Series 2002
Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Kane and Booker T

What makes the Chamber unique.

Summerslam 2003
Triple H, Goldberg, Chris Jericho, Kevin Nash, Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton

The King of Kings is King of the Chamber.

New Year’s Revolution 2005
Triple H wins his third chamber in a row

Edge takes advantage.

New Years Revolution 2006
John Cena, Kurt Angle, Carlito, Kane, Chris Masters and Shawn Michaels

ECW takes center stage.

December to Dismember 2006
Bobby Lashley, CM Punk, Big Show, Test, Hardcore Holly and Rob Van Dam

The Monsters invade the Chamber.

No Way Out 2008
Undertaker, Big Daddy V, MVP, Batista, Finlay and Great Khali

No Way Out 2008
Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, JBL, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Umaga

Disc 2:

Two is better than one.

No Way Out 2009
John Cena, Edge, Mike Knox, Rey Mysterio, Kane and Chris Jericho

No Way Out 2009
Edge, Big Show, Jeff Hardy, Undertaker, Vladimir Kozlov and Triple H

Shaping Wrestlemania

Elimination Chamber 2010
Sheamus, Ted Dibiase, Triple H, John Cena, Randy Orton and Kofi Kingston

Elimination Chamber 2010
Undertaker, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio and R-Truth

What’s next ?

Bonus Content:

The Game speaks out on his signature match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying match: Chris Jericho vs Carlito

Elimination Chamber Qualifying match: Shawn Michaels vs Kane

Elimination Chamber Qualifying match: Triple H vs Rob Van Dam

Elimination Chamber Qualifying match: Undertaker vs Mark Henry

Labels: carlito, kane, mark henry, shawn michaels, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE.com has announced that Carlos Colon (Carlito) has been released from his WWE contract as of today May 21, 2010.

According to WWE, "Carlito’s termination was due to his first violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility."

Jim Ross just put on his Twitter that he was sad to see Carlito go:

Too bad to hear Carlito got released 4 wellness issues. Talented young man. Hope he gets back on track. The balls n his court. Pulling 4 him

Labels: carlito, jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

The WWE Superstars match taped before last night's RAW saw Carlito and his brother Primo fight to a no contest.

About seven minutes into the match, Carlito went for his Backstabber finisher but stopped it and grabbed a microphone. Carlito talked about how nobody cares about the Colons anymore. Carlito said they should be a team again instead of fighting each other. The brothers then hugged and left together. Carlito's NXT Rookie Michael Tarver was at ringside and didn't seem happy about the reunion.

As noted before, WWE has been planning to turn the Colon brothers heel and have them feud with The Hart Dynasty for the WWE Unified Tag Team Titles. It's also expected that their cousin, Tito (Orlando) Colon, will be called up from developmental soon.

Labels: carlito, primo colon

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

The angle concerning locker room resentment for John Cena, as highlighted in promos from Jesse Ventura and Carlito, has some footing in reality. While the ill will was obviously exaggerated for storyline, a number of wrestlers do reportedly resent Cena's standing with management, a feeling that is attributed to either envy of his cushy position or disgust for his "company man" attitude, depending on who is asked. Sources say his public airing of grievances with The Rock, regardless of the fact that he was likely reading company-fed lines, did not help his standing with "the boys."

Labels: carlito, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments

A total of 36 WWE Superstars changed brands following Monday's live Draft on Raw and today's Supplemental Draft on WWE.com. Here is a complete breakdown of all the moves.

Superstars Joining Raw (+15)
» Big Show
» Brie Bella
» Carlito
» Chavo Guerrero
» Festus
» Hornswoggle
» Maryse
» Matt Hardy
» Montel Vontavious Porter
» Mr. Kennedy
» Nikki Bella
» Primo
» The Brian Kendrick
» The Miz
» Triple H

Superstars Joining SmackDown (+15)
» Alicia Fox
» Candice Michelle
» Charlie Haas
» Chris Jericho
» CM Punk
» Dolph Ziggler
» John Morrison
» JTG
» Kane
» Layla
» Melina
» Mike Knox
» Rey Mysterio
» Ricky Ortiz
» Shad

Superstars Joining ECW (+6)
» DH Smith
» Ezekiel Jackson
» Hurricane Helms
» Natalya
» Vladimir Kozlov
» Zack Ryder

Superstars Leaving Raw (-12)
» Candice Michelle
» Charlie Haas
» Chris Jericho
» CM Punk
» Dolph Ziggler
» JTG
» Kane
» Layla
» Melina
» Mike Knox
» Rey Mysterio
» Shad

Superstars Leaving SmackDown (-19)
» Big Show
» Brie Bella
» Carlito
» Chavo Guerrero
» DH Smith
» Ezekiel Jackson
» Festus
» Hurricane Helms
» Maryse
» Matt Hardy
» Montel Vontavious Porter
» Mr. Kennedy
» Natalya
» Nikki Bella
» Primo
» The Brian Kendrick
» Triple H
» Vladimir Kozlov
» Zack Ryder

Superstars Leaving ECW (-5)
» Alicia Fox
» Hornswoggle
» John Morrison
» Ricky Ortiz
» The Miz

Labels: carlito, matt hardy, MVP, nikki bella, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Carlito's long-term future with WWE appears to be in doubt again. While he's worked a few live events, he still has yet to debut on television on SmackDown since the draft seven weeks ago. Once again, he has talked with friends about a release from the company. In his homeland of Puerto Rico, he can do what he wants and be the top singles star in WWC. However, business isn't too good at the moment and he'd be going from working in front of thousands of fans to a few hundred. The last time Carlito talked about departing from WWE, he had talks with the AAA promotion in Mexico about coming in as a full-timer, where he could be a top heel. Regarding a possible jump to TNA, he has supporters there as he has worked with booker Dutch Mantel in the past not to mention that the company is looking to expand to the Hispanic audience. Should he depart from WWE, Carlito should also do well in the U.S. indies as well as the NWE promotion based out of Europe featuring a slew of "name" stars.

Labels: carlito, smackdown

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: WrestleScoop.com

Seventeen WWE wrestlers changed brands during the Supplemental Draft, and three weeks in, eight of them still have yet to debut on television on their new brand. The yet-to-debut list includes Carlito, Maria, Big Daddy V, Trevor Murdoch (who was of course released two weeks ago) and DH Smith on SmackDown; Deuce and Chuck Palumbo on Raw; and Super Crazy on ECW.

Labels: carlito, deuce, DH smith, maria

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

Looks like Carlito has a new look - no more fro. Yes, he's now "fro-less" and here is the pic to prove it. PWInsider wrote that a few readers have sent word that this is actually a return to an "old look" for Carlito, as he sported braids back in OVW before making his WWE TV debut.

Labels: carlito

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

At the moment, Carlito is talking like he's staying put in WWE. He was said to be really unhappy with his push, particularly after Raw two weeks ago when he and Marella jobbed to Cryme Tyme. At one point it looked like Marella & Carlito were going to get the tag titles, but it never materialized. The company made the decision for them not to get the belts due to storyline plans involving Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly, and he was said to be really upset. Carlito gave his notice at the end of last year but Vince McMahon talked him into staying, saying he would get a bigger push. The push never materialized and he got upset again. He got conflicting stories from the Raw creative team on his long-term future, and he got a sense that head writer Brian Gewirtz wasn't really looking to pushing him. In light of declining ratings, Gewirtz has been pressured to devote more time on the show to the biggest stars on Raw. Some friends suggested he try getting moved to ECW, where he'd be a headliner, or Smackdown, which before the draft, had less depth, as well as a huge Hispanic television audience that WWE is paying great attention to now. The feeling on his move to SmackDown is that head writer Michael Hayes would at least start him out with a push and give him an opportunity to sink or swim. The knock on Carlito is that he usually works well enough to get by, but not well enough to headline and move past mid-card status.

Labels: carlito, Michael Hayes, smackdown

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments

There has been some discussion on this blog about comments made by Carlito regarding whether Triple H is successful because he's Vince McMahon's son-in-law. Many seem to think that he only got his push because he was married to Stephanie, when in fact that is far from the truth. Let's examine the facts.

The McMahon-Helmsley Faction began on-screen after Triple H beat down Vince McMahon in a brutal No Holds Barred match at Armageddon 1999 (December 12). Triple H's real-life marriage to Stephanie was October 25th, 2003. I'm unable to find out when the two started dating, although it was probably sometime in 2000. For the purposes of this argument, let's assume he was in a full-fledged relationship by June of 2000. (Note: this is a totally arbitrary date, but it fits what little information I could dig up). With those dates being established, let's move on...

By Armageddon 1999, Triple H was already a two-time WWE Champion (then called the WWF Championship). He won his first title August 23rd, 1999 and his second at Unforgiven 1999 (September 26). He was also a two-time Intercontinental Champion and European Champion by September 1998. He won the 1997 King of the Ring.

By our June, 2000 “Start Date,” he had won two more WWE Championships (January 3rd and May 21st). By the time he was married in October of 2003 he had won one more WWE Championship (March 17th, 2002) and two World Heavyweight Championships (September 2nd, 2002 and December 14th, 2002). He also picked up two quick Intercontinental reigns (April 3rd and April 16th of 2001) and a Tag Team Championship with Steve Austin (Won April 29th, 2001 during the “Two-Man Power Trip” era).

To recap...

Before Armageddon 1999...2 WWE Championships, 2 each of the European and I/C belts, 1 King of the Ring.

Before June 2000...2 more WWE Championships.

Before Wedding Day (10/25/03)...1 more WWE Championship, 2 World Heavyweight Championships, 3 more I/C belts, 1 Tag Team Championship, 2002 Royal Rumble winner.

In total then he had 7 championship belts (either WWE or World Heavyweight), 5 I/C belts, 2 European titles, and a tag team title when he tied the knot with Stephanie.

Since 10/25/03...5 more championship reigns.

Instead of looking at dates, let's examine these title reigns a little closer. I'll be looking at only the major titles in the promotion. (either WWE or World Heavyweight).

He's the current WWE Champion, but hadn't held a championship since losing to Batista at Wrestlemania 21 in 2005. Except for a two-hour reign at No Mercy in October 2007, he hasn't been in charge. He hasn't won at Wrestlemania since 2003, despite being healthy for most of that time.

All that being said, the man isn't perfect. By all accounts, he does politic backstage (although that began well before he started dating Stephanie) but is far from the only wrestler to do that. His moveset is getting a bit stale, as is his overall gimmick. However, he's incredibly over, and has put on some tremendous matches in his career (two of my favorites are an Iron Man match at Judgment Day 2000 vs The Rock and a Hell In A Cell match at Bad Blood 2004 vs. Shawn Michaels – both available on youtube). Despite what Carlito and others may thing, Triple H earned his spot on top of the mountain, and is a slam-dunk WWE Hall of Famer when he hangs up his boots for the last time.

Labels: carlito, triple h

Posted by George Atsaves at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Regarding Carlito's comments on Triple H's position with World Wrestling Entertainment and his marriage to Stephanie McMahon at a press conference last week, a large percentage of the WWE roster share the same sentiments. However, there is a key difference as they keep their feelings to themselves and say it in private. A number of people have strong feelings over Triple H's position in the company, but it's a subject matter that almost everyone is smart enough to never talk about publicly as it's practically political suicide.

Labels: carlito, stephanie McMahon, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments

Monday night in San Antonio the WWE will hold what has become one of its most anticipated shows of the year, as they will have a three-hour "draft " in which they will move a number of wrestlers from one brand to another. This event has been watered down a bit, as in the last year wrestlers have jumped from brand to brand week to week anyway, but nevertheless, this should be a fun event and a good show.

Of course we're expecting with a small spike in the ratings this past week to have another "Million Dollar Giveaway," which will do nothing more than give the fast forward buttons on DVR's all across the country a workout. With that, here are some predictions for the draft Monday night that will make up RAW.

Leaving RAW
--------------------

Carlito to ECW - Talk about someone in the doghouse, yet again. Carlito has continued to be outspoken about his role in the company, and a move to ECW may actually revive his struggling career, and a run at the ECW title may not be a bad idea for this 2nd generation star.

JBL to SmackDown - JBL had his most memorable run on the Friday night show, as he was the shows top star and champion for some time before dropping it to John Cena to start his run. He's not doing much on RAW, and a move back to Friday's could freshen up his wrestling career.

Melina to SmackDown - She's in a heated feud with Beth Phoenix, but they can end that quickly and move her to Friday's, where she'll be a solid addition as they seem bent on building up the women's division and creating another women's title.

Santino Marella to ECW - He's mostly known for his recent comedy on RAW with Roddy Piper, but Marella can wrestle, and he's just the type of mid-card guy that can move to ECW and put his career back on track vs guys like C.M. Punk and Tommy Dreamer.

Snitsky to SmackDown - Caught in a numbers game on RAW, Snitsky has gone back to being a guy that is mostly used in losing tag matches, and over on SmackDown he can at least give US Champ Matt Hardy a decent challenge for a few weeks.

Super Crazy to ECW - A former ECW star, Super Crazy would actually make a decent addition to the show, and its a show that needs faces, so he fits the bill as a mid-card face that can at least get some TV time.

Umaga to SmackDown - This has been rumored since Mania 24, and we'll go with it. Umaga has run his course on RAW, and a move to SmackDown would create some new feuds for the Samoan vs guys like Batista, Undertaker and a returning Rey Mysterio.

Leaving SmackDown
---------------------------------

Big Show to ECW - I can see Show topping Kane for the ECW strap at the "Night of Champions," so a move back to Tuesday nights, where he was champ for some time before leaving the company for a year, is for sure in the cards.

Chuck Palumbo to ECW - Much like Snitsky, Palumbo is a mid-card heel that can get a push by moving to the companies third brand and trying some new matches against guys he has not faced before.

Eve Torres to RAW - This former Diva search winner will get a chance to strut her stuff vs some of Monday night's best on the franchise show.

Jamie Noble to RAW - Always good at taking bumps, Noble will be an addition mostly for people to come in and defeat as a mid to low level card jobber.

Natalya to RAW - I think she's going to be part of the new "youth" faction that they are putting together with Ted Dibiase, Cody Rhodes, DH Smith and Lance Cade. The group needs a womans touch, so why not Jim's daughter?

Vladimir Kozlov to ECW - Just a guess here, but they have been building him up slowly on SmackDown, so a move to ECW would put him right in a title mix with Kane, Big Show, and others.

Leaving ECW
---------------------

Chavo Guerrero to SmackDown - He'll get a chance to be with sister-in-law Vicki Guerrero, and can continue his feud with US champ Matt Hardy. His time on ECW has run cold, so a move to Friday's would work.

Bam Neely to RAW - In the mold of a Snitsky, Neely can get a chance to come to the top rated show of the company and get some mid-card work and maybe get a small push to challenge some of the better faces on the show.

Elijah Burke to RAW - He has a ton of ability, it just seems like he's in this serious rut on ECW, and a move to RAW could make him get his career back on track, and maybe he can even find a partner to challenge for the tag belts.

C.M. Punk to SmackDown - Kind of a no-brainer, Punk is heading towards a semi main event feud with Edge after he drops the belt to Taker upon his return. I think he also looks to cash that "Money in the Bank" match in sometime while on Friday nights.

Labels: big show, c.m. punk, carlito, chuck palumbo, jbl, kane, melina, umaga

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

At a press conference promoting the 7/2 Raw brand house in Santiago, Chile yesterday, Carlito took aim at Triple H and his marriage to Stephanie McMahon. Carlito spoke in Spanish, and there are two slightly different interpretations online from PWInsider.com and the Puerto Rican wrestling news site PRWrestling.com. Thanks to reader Nizzo, we were able to get a translation of what Carlito said according to the PRWrestling.com news post on the story.

When asked about Triple H's marriage, Carlito said (PWInsider.com): "I may get in trouble, but that's why I'm here. My opinion is that it was a smart move by [HHH]. I think that's why he's champion now and has been champion in the past, it's easier to him. We, the real wrestlers, don't depend on people in the business. We don't have that benefit. We have to deliver the maximum in the ring. Others are given championships in a plate of gold or platinum, I'm happy for him."

Same topic, but from PRWrestling.com: "Well I know I'll probably end up with problems but f--- it. It was a smart move on his part [to marry Stephanie McMahon]. That's why he's a champion now and has been for a couple of times. That makes your job a little easier, having people to help you backstage meanwhile us wrestlers break our asses off."

Carlito on Triple H never going overseas to promote WWE (PWInsider.com): "I don't see him coming to Chile or Paraguay, places like that. He's always comfortable."

Same topic (PRWrestling): "I've never seen Triple H making promos, traveling to Chile, Paraguay or any other place like that. He's always comfortable at home. That gives you an idea who's actually giving the 100% in this business."

He also talked about some of the fans not respecting John Cena (PRWrestling): "Well, some people might hate him but you people don't really know how much of a worker he is. He really loves his fans. I know you people are sick of him being feed even if you don't want to. But you have to respect the guy. He's always making promos worldwide, has little days off, spends time with fans, etc. As much as you hate him, you have to respect him."

During the press conference, Carlito also said that he has been discriminated against in WWE because of his Latin heritage, although he didn't specify anything. Carlito said his heritage makes things harder for him, but he doesn't regret being Latino.

Mr. Kennedy was also at the press conference, but remained in character.

Labels: carlito, mr. kennedy, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

One idea being thrown around is a heel stable composed of a group of younger WWE wrestlers. Also, they would use an older wrestler or a manager as a mentor.

One idea is to make it a second generation stable featuring Ted DiBiase, Jr., Afa, Jr., DH Smith, Cody Rhodes (who would turn heel), and maybe Carlito as the mouthpiece if they don't get a manager.

However, it may not be a 100% second generation stable after all, as other names being tossed around include CM Punk and Chris Harris. However, the young wrestlers stable is the basic idea they have in mind.

Labels: carlito, cody rhodes, Ted DiBiase Jr

Posted by Matt Loede at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

With one week till Judgement Day in St.Louis, some things are shaping up for the week ahead on WWE TV. First we already have learned via the WWE.com site that Bobby Lashley will take on Jonathan Coachman on tomorrown night's edition of RAW. This match will likely be an ugly squash, but on the other hand, I can see some big time outside interference from Mr.McMahon, Umaga and Shane-O-Mac giving a preview for Sunday's show.

Also reports say that the official announcment will be made tomorrow night for a match we all could see coming for next Sunday - Carlito vs Ric Flair. Last week Flair was not on the show, but he will be tomorrow night, and the two will have a staredown of sorts that will end with the match becoming official.

I would guess that we will also see some sort of showdown between Khali and John Cena, setting up their match next week. I can't wait to see how these two co-exist, as I think that they still need some major work to be done to be able to sell it for fans next Sunday. I see a train wreck coming for this match.

Then we also will have a "good-bye" for Edge from RAW, as now as the World Heavyweight Champion, he is going over to SmackDown, where he will defend the title next Sunday vs Batista. I would think it would be just what it is - a good-bye, and then I wouldn't eb shocked if we see Batista show up for a little beatdown to give their match some steam for Sunday at the PPV.

Labels: carlito, mr.mcmahon, ric flair, umaga

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:45 AM | Permalink | Comments

Couple of updates on RAW Tonight...

- Roddy Piper will be on Carlito's Cabana, building on the angle they shot last week where Piper slapped Santino backstage.

- C.M. Punk vs. Randy Orton is one match already booked for the show

- Wrestling Observer reports that Vince McMahon will open Raw with a big speech (could it be the announcement of the draft?)

Labels: carlito, cm punk, roddy piper, Santino Marella, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Quite a few years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Jerry "The King" Lawler at a Cleveland Indians game while he was a visitor in the press box. At that time he was in between stints with the WWE, and we had a chance to talk "off the cuff" about things in the WWE and how the shows were booked. That is what leads me to today, where I recall Jerry bringing up a term that I think fits what the company is going to try and pull off tomorrow night on RAW - a one night King of the Ring. The term that fits this show from the word go - "panic booking."

Yes, the WWE is coming off a long overseas tour, and it seems like they want to throw something big together for their three-hour show they have set for Greenville. With that, instead of the draft, which is what we all were expecting for this three-hour epic, they are going to go with an idea that they have put on the shelf more than once. The King of the Ring was an annual event that kicked off in 1985, and then hit PPV in 1993. It had its moments of good and bad, with the highlight probably being the birth of "Austin 3:16" after Steve Austin beat Jake Roberts in 1996 and blurted out the phrase to mock Roberts new found religion.

From there, the event was a staple till it died after 2002, and then they brought it back in 2006, to put the title of "King" on Booker T., as he became King Booker for the end of his WWE run. The event died after 06, and now it looks as if trying to draw some sort of rating for one night, they are going to try and revive the event. There are quite a few problems with that, one of which includes the simple fact that they tried to throw this thing together in one week. Yes, an event that they took months to build on the past, they are now doing in one week. Bad idea.

They also have not thrown out there who we are even going to see in this 8-man tourney. Names that have been rumored to be in the show include Triple H, John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Batista, Finaly, C.M. Punk and others. They have said that all three brands will be represented, but at the same time, with no idea on who in the three brands will be in the event, it makes it very hard to even get a grasp on who to pick as a possible favorite.

If I was booking this (and if I was I would have never have thrown this thing together this fast anyway), I would let someone mid-card win this thing to give them a boost. How about a King Kennedy? King Carlito? King (Matt or Jeff for that matter) Hardy? There are plenty of guys that could use the boost, guys other than Cena, Triple H or Batista. Bottom line though, this thing is such a cluster, who knows what to expect.

This night will also do very little to push forward the Backlash PPV that the the company should be focusing in on for this Sunday. Three hours is a lot of time to kill, and yes, they will push the show to some extent, but the night is going to be far out of focus, and right now, this PPV is in a lot of trouble, and this years King of the Ring is going to be one of the lowest rated Monday night shows of the year for the company.

Labels: carlito, jerry lawler, john cena, king of the ring

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jericho’s bad intentions

Unless WWE is pulling a major swerve, Chris Jericho is about to embrace his inner heel again.

It was hinted at last week on Raw when he was stirring the pot during the interview segment with Shawn Michaels and Batista. Last night on Raw, Jericho was even more heelish.

First, he interrupted another strong promo by Michaels by coming out to Ric Flair’s entrance music, which naturally elicited a chorus of boos from the crowd. Then, in trying to goad Michaels into admitting that he retired Flair to satisfy his own ego, Jericho recited Michaels’ past transgressions, including the fact that he had conspired against Bret Hart in Montreal in ’97. After Michaels had heard enough, he gave Jericho a superkick that looked as if it legitimately caught him square on the chin.

Later in the show, Jericho successfully defended the Intercontinental title against Umaga by scoring the pinfall with his feet on the ropes.

I enjoyed the interaction between Jericho and Michaels, who are two of my favorite performers, and I’m looking forward to them reviving their rivalry.

It was announced that Jericho will be the guest referee in the Michaels-Batista match at the Backlash pay-per-view on April 27 at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore. It sure seems like Jericho will be turning against Michaels at that show. Raw could use another good heel, and Jericho always is entertaining whether he’s a heel or a face.

Other thoughts on last night’s show:

It was a nice surprise to see Mickie James defeat Beth Phoenix for the WWE women’s title. I just wish WWE would have followed through on the story line of James chasing Phoenix, with the title change occurring at WrestleMania XXIV. It would have meant a lot more. Instead, we got a lackluster women’s tag-team match at WrestleMania and Snoop Dogg making out with Maria. …

I feared for the worst when Randy Orton landed badly on his head and neck from a suplex by William Regal. I’m amazed that he wasn’t seriously hurt and was able to finish the match. I also was surprised at how much offense Regal got in. I know he was wrestling in front of his countrymen, but I don’t think the Raw general manager should be able to physically dominate the WWE champion. …

The main event between Triple H and JBL whetted my appetite for a singles program between them. They’re both strong characters, and I’m sure the promos would be great. …

When JBL and Orton double-teamed Triple H after the match, it was pretty obvious that one of the heels was going to turn on the other, and it ended up being JBL who laid out both guys. It sounded like the fans were expecting to see John Cena make the save, but he did not appear on the show. …

Carlito and Santino Marella versus Paul London and Brian Kendrick was a good-but-short, fast-paced match. Carlito and Marella prevailed in the bout, which was to determine the No. 1 contenders to the tag-team title. I would love to see Carlito and Marella get a run as tag-team champions, although those belts don’t really mean much at this point.

Labels: baltimore sun, carlito, chris jericho, paul london

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: carlito, maria, wrestlemania 24

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:13 AM | Permalink | Comments