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THE DEBUT OF CROSS-CONTINENTAL CONVERSATIONS

 

Cross Continental Conversations

By Joel C Croyle, Michael Campbell

 

1. Who are you and what columns do you write for PWInsiderxtra.com?

Joel: My name is Joel Croyle and I write three columns on the site.  A weekly column called “Weekly Thumbs” which goes over the week’s events in wrestling and it also contains a “top-ten” list of sorts.  I also write an occasional piece (usually monthly) called Spotlight which is about various things and when a pay per view rolls around I write a pre-view piece called PPV by the numbers.

Michael: My name is Michael Campbell. Currently I write "The Cynical View" column, which covers a wide array of topics, including mainly, current WWE, TNA, ROH, Shimmer, Irish Whip Wrestling, but also dabbles in the past. I also contribute DVD and Book reviews, under the Cynical DVD View title, mainly on Shimmer and ROH releases.

2. Where do you hail from?

Joel: Originally I came from Ohio here in the states.  I did a small stint of living in Chicago and now I live in Wisconsin permanently.  I root for Ohio teams though.

Michael: Belfast , Ireland .

3. What do you do for a living?

Joel: My “Day Job” is as a provider of support to those with special needs.  I also am a professional musician, a drum teacher, and a freelance writer for magazines.  I hope someday to only be doing writing and music as a living as I am currently working on a new album and my first book.

Michael: I work on a Visual Team in a department store- that is, doing displays, window dressing, mannequins, etc. And, obviously, I'm a part-time writer, hoping to make this nonsense a full-time gig.

4. What is your opinion on the WWE’s current direction?

Joel: I take the good with the bad and there are a lot of both.  I personally think the tri-brand thing is horrible in the WWE.  It’s great to see three shows a week (four including TNA), but each show doesn’t have to have its own belts and such.   When WCW was running Thunder and Nitro they still only had one champion.  I think a lot of the storylines need work and I think the talent needs to up their game. I do think however that the WWE is still the best current sports-entertainment product on the planet.

Michael: I've been flip-flopping lately between cautious optimism, and justified disgust. The post-Rumble Raw situation that seems to be steering us towards Wrestlemania and John Cena versus Triple H absolutely depressed me. Their attitude, despite the difficulties in image and appeal endured throughout 2007, is still to push the same guys. While that works for some, it surely would only benefit the company to properly get behind Jeff Hardy, and CM Punk, and other stars that could stand out, and draw money from sectors of today's youth that find the WWE lacking in role-models. I don't have a problem with HHH or Cena per say, but find the notion of that, as a main event for Wrestlemania, fairly unacceptable.

This weeks' Raw is a perfect example of the lopsided quality of product they're offering. A great match, accompanied by wacky-counter productive angles. Right now, I have no faith that post-Wrestlemaniam, we'll be anywhere near the ballpark I’d hope for. However, in general, both Raw and Smackdown have been producing more positives than negatives in recent months.

5. What do you currently find exciting in the world of pro-wrestling?

Joel: I think the hope of tomorrow…I see budding superstars and I think that WWE will realize they are going to need to change with the times.  I also find the women’s division, especially in TNA, on an all-time high. 

Michael: There's a lot within the WWE to enjoy right now. Smackdown is giving us great matches with guys like Edge, Mysterio, Finlay, and MVP, as well as providing a forum for underused guys who can't crack the PPVs right now. Edge as a bona-fide main eventer is exciting, as Randy Orton has also been. His run on top has been a revelation. CM Punk is a dazzling talent, who needs to be trusted on the mike while Jeff Hardy's recent push has been the most invigorating of recent years. The crop of mid-carders who will break through, hopefully this year, MVP, Kennedy, Matt Hardy, Shelton , makes things interesting, though whether they'll follow through when they should and with whom, is a different matter. Cena's return would have been a highlight if they hadn't went ahead of it several months too early.

TNA is exciting when guys like Alex Shelley, Samoa Joe (who I firmly believe has the ability to instigate a boom period, lurking within him), Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Christian Cage, are used properly, but more often, it's infuriating.

Kenta Kobashi's return brings new life to Pro Wrestling Noah, while Morishima's future looks very bright over there. Their tour in June in England is positively mouth-watering. The Junior ranks across the board right now in Japan are very exciting indeed, with Marafuji being one performer I can't get enough of. New Japan in general has undergone a renaissance this past year, which is welcomed.

The Booking of Gabe Sapolsky in Ring of Honor, and the results produced by the workers, ensures that ROH consistently, is still the MUST-SEE group in all of Pro-wrestling right now. Though PWG and Chikara are also continually great. Meanwhile, I find Shimmer to also be a really exciting young promotion that I hope continue to grow.

Closer to home, the continual growth of Irish Whip Wrestling is something that also feels fantastic. Oh, and also, there's never been so much quality wrestling journalism getting published- which is great.

6. How do you feel about the current state of ECW?

Joel: It is deplorable.  At times they have good matches but the angles and writing are horrible.  They have some good talent; Chavo, Punk, Morrison, Big Daddy V, Benjamin…but they are under used or used negatively and it shows.  I also think that to bring back the ECW name and make it Raw 2, isn’t good.  It should be hardcore, and more like the original to be an alternative to the other wrestling programs on the air.

Michael: It's pretty dire. It could be so easily improved too. But to me, the whole point of ECW was to create something a little different, and it's pointless it just being an inferior version of Smackdown or Raw. As it's just the same, I feel it's a waste of time. it's quickly become the place to send overweight, lumbering workers too.

7. If Paul Hey man had full reign over the current ECW product, would you want him back?

Joel: I am not sure really.  He does seem to add a lot.  But I also think he was burned out.  I obviously don’t know the man personally, I don’t work for WWE but it just seems he was done.

Michael: Certainly. Although I feel he needs to be working alongside someone more conservative, to strike a good balance. However, the fact that he has a different approach, a varying viewpoint, means that I'd love to see him back, because he understands that ECW can be successful as a fresh product. His open-mindedness and bravado was always what made him so exciting, and sometimes that's sorely missed from WWE television.

8. How do you feel about John Cena’s return and cashing in on his Wrestlemania title shot at No Way Out?

Joel: I think they need to get the belt off of Orton heading into Mania.  I also think that unless they were going to push Jeff Hardy (which would haven made a better choice) this is the best route to go.

Michael: John Cena has returned in exactly the same position he was in when he left. Overexposed at the top of the card. The show was doing fine without him. I like Cena, and would not question his spot- but he should have been saved for a few months down the line. His return is a wasted opportunity in my eyes. His cashing in of the title shot at NWO is an absolute disgrace too.

9. Do you feel this devalues the rumble stipulation?

Joel: Unfortunately it does, but it also was necessary.  Now, if they don’t pull the trigger on the title change at N.W.O, then it makes no sense.

Michael: Completely. Many people have said, it's the sort of thing that done every few years at most, is no problem. But I don't agree. It completely makes the Rumble victory worthless. Why not win two weeks later, or earn the shot at some other point, or wait till Summerslam? Winning the Rumble is meant to position you on the top of the biggest show of the year. Cena is also undermining the significance of achieving a position in the main event of Mania. I'm assuming if Cena doesn't win the strap at No Way Out he will still end up headlining Mania though.

10. When Wrestlemania is said and done, what three performers will be wearing the three main titles of the WWE?

Joel: The Smackdown champ will be Batista (but it should be Edge), Raw Champ will be HHH (but it should be Jeff Hardy) and the ECW champ will be Big Daddy V (but it should be Chavo).

Michael: Hard to say right now. Probably Cena, Undertaker, and possibly Jeff still as Intercontinental Champion. I don't consider the ECW title to be one of the main three, and even if I did, I can't see all the belts changing hands at Mania, and reckon whoever enters Mania with the ECW belt, will hold onto it. I don't see Punk getting it back, because he'll probably be in the Money in the bank ladder match. I'm not sold on the logic of having Cena win the belt before Mania, only to successfully retain again; just as he did on the past two super shows- it's repetitive. But I can't see Hunter pining Cena for the title, even if it does even up their score. If Orton is in the main event, then, there's a possibility of HHH walking out with the strap. Ask me again after No Way Out, as I hope I'm wrong, and still am clinging to the illusion that Jeff Hardy could have his moment!

11.  Do you feel WWE has a good balance of new stars and established wrestlers?

Joel:  Do they have them, yes.  Do they use them…no way.  The biggest thing is that established stars are not being put into storyline driven positions to create a new generation of stars.  I do think that certain people like MVP, Kennedy and Jimmy Wang Yang have a good start.

Michael: Yes, a great balance. However, they largely in the wrong spots much of the time.

12. And how about TNA?

Joel: TNA definitely has more young talent and it is being used a bit more.  But even they could establish them better.  It also doesn’t help that almost all of them are in the tag division or the x division.  The new women are being used well.  They need some new blood to get involved on the top of the card.

Michael: That's a joke, right?

13. Which performers do you see jumping from WWE to TNA over the next three years?

Joel:  I wouldn’t be surprised to see MVP go over.  If he isn’t placed into the heavyweight title situation by the end of 2008 he’ll go where he can.  Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised at just about anyone leaving…except maybe HHH. That would indeed be the biggest coup ever.

Michael: Hmmm, good question. I can't see many WWE guys willingly going. It's either going to be workers who are released/fired, or guys who are so disgruntled in their positions, such as Angle and Booker T. But I can't see that being many, because for current WWE guys main-eventing, and in the upper-midcard, the money can't compare, whilst I think by now, the guys who would seem like potential candidates, in the lower-card (London, Kendrick, Etc...) can probably see that TNA isn't doing anything more with their ilk than the WWE.

That said, I think Charlie Haas will be released, and offered something in TNA, Punk could end up there, against his wishes, if politics get too much, Elijah Burke, if they don't figure out what to do with him, possibly Kenny Dykstra, Carlito is always a potential leaver until something is done with him. the likes of Snitsky too, if the WWE acquire anymore interchangeable big guys.

14. From TNA to WWE?

Joel: Before their careers end I would expect to see Kevin Nash and Sting do something with WWE.  I think Samoa Joe will eventually go over.  Maybe James Storm and AJ Styles.  Some of the women will definitely go.

Michael: Samoa Joe, if they don't give the guy the chance at the top he deserves, for no other reason, than he's pretty much done everything else he can believably do. I reckon Kaz could be given another shot. Team 3D, for another mind-numbing run, though the WWE may try and rope in The MCMG if they have any sense. Bobby Roode, I could see them being interested in, although he'd be repackaged. Same goes for Lance Hoyt. Tomko I could see returning, although I think he'd be better served sticking with TNA while it's still financially viable.

15.  How do you feel about the current status of tag team wrestling, particularly in TNA, ROH and the WWE?

Joel: Well, as some of you know, I used to write a column on this site called “Tag Team Weekly” and eventually I killed it because I felt there was nothing to talk about.  I still feel that way, that’s why I haven’t brought it back.  There are some great teams out there like the Motor City Machine Guns, LAX and London and Kendrick but they aren’t used well. I do think that ROH knows how to do tag wrestling better than anyone right now and I think that TNA has the best roster of talent in that division.  WWE is lacking.

Michael: The status of tag-wrestling in generally in North America is appalling. ROH are doing an admirable job of restoring that balance somewhat, as they've emphasized the importance of the tag belts, and the drawing power of that style of work, over the past couple of years. But it really is a lost art as far as the casual fans go. They've been trained to believe it's not significant, and is low-to-mid-card fare at best. The WWE could rectify this easily, as they have the roster depth to elevate the division again, and could do worse than to begin by building the Survivor Series shows again around tag wrestling.

TNA is very similar to WWE in that they have the potential, but more often or not, tag wrestling is only in vogue when it's getting a certain storyline over.

16. What is your opinion on the current condition of women’s wrestling in the US ?

Joel:  Just Awesome!  Moolah would be proud.  Seriously, I turn into TNA to watch the matches with ODB, Gail Kim and Awesome Kong.  I could care less about the rest of the show most nights.  WWE, while not as strong as TNA in this issue, is still great and Candice, Torrie, Maria and Michelle put on good matches and shows.

Michael: It's a little better than it was a few years back, thanks to the efforts of TNA (one of the few things they can be genuinely commended on), Fit Finlay, Trish Stratus, and Dave Prazak, in addition to some of the great performers toiling around the circuit. The WWE has a stronger women's roster than it has had in a long time, although they infuriatingly still insist on only being creative for one person at a time. And they keep taking two steps back when they push non-wrestlers like Melina (not enough training), Maria (ditto), Candice (same again), Ashley (seriously like...), either because they win a competition, are doing playboy, or are over as a valet. Meanwhile TNA has made a great start in this regard, though the longevity of their Women's title being a success is dubious.

17. Do you support Shimmer at all?

Joel: Absolutely.  I have a few of their DVD’s and I think they provide a great talent pool for ROH, TNA and WWE to grab from. I started because I read Michael’s reviews…he had me biting! 

Michael: Yes. I review Shimmer DVD's not just because I enjoy doing so, but because I hope that each time; at least one person will reconsider the value of Women's wrestling by reading my words. They're a fantastic promotion, and they're producing some of the most consistently entertaining DVD's on the market. These ladies deserve to be taken seriously, and should be getting more coverage than they do, as they're one of the few squads around producing straight-up, old fashioned wrestling, be it male, or female.

18. Can ROH become a rival federation to TNA and WWE in the next few years?

Joel:  Not if they continue on the path that they are going.  They don’t seem to have the resources to get it done.  I actually wish ROH would sign a contract with TNA and do an invasion angle.  I think it could work to hot shot ROH into the stratosphere. 

I don’t think it will happen though.  Prove me wrong!

Michael: No. Nor do I think they do, or should aim to be. They could possibly eclipse TNA by default, as the number 2 US promotion, if TNA's funding ceases, but it's unlikely.

19. What got you hooked on wrestling in the first place?

Joel:  Ahh…a question I often get.  Along with… “You still watch wrestling?”  Anyway, I remember seeing the commercials that the WWF was coming to the Richmond Coliseum near Cleveland to do a house show and I wanted to go.  I remember watching Saturday morning wrestling after my cartoons as a kid.  My family hated wrestling, especially my dad, and I always was surprised he’d let me watch it.  What got me hooked though (how I hate to admit this) was that my dad took me to that show in Richfield and I saw the Ultimate Warrior defeat Andre the Giant in just under 30 seconds…it was the coolest thing I’d seen in my ten year old life at that point.

Michael: The drama, and without knowing it, the storytelling .As a kid, I loved comics, movies, books, art, anything that told a story. And Pro-wrestling was another form of that, which gripped me like no other. I was fascinated and looked up to Davey Boy Smith, Bret Hart, whilst being in awe of guys like Michaels, and Mr. Perfect, Curt Henning. It has a vastly unappreciated depth when it comes to potential for stories.

20. What maintains your interest in pro wrestling now, having become more experienced and knowledgeable in regards to the workings of the business?

Joel: I still get that feeling when I watch it like I did when I saw the Warrior.  It also reminds me a lot of music and especially Metal concerts.  And I like those things. As far as being an “insider”,  I never let myself get to far inside.  I don’t always want to know the results.  I also look at it as a pure art form.  What the guys and gals do on a weekly basis Is amazing….fake… my butt!

Michael: I appreciate it in a different sense now. I admire the art of good workers, the ingenuity of good booking, and the response of fans. I don't just blindly become absorbed into the storylines, and characters, now I admire how they're achieved, when things work out. The satisfaction of seeing a character deservedly get over, or a quality story reach it's apex, is like no other,  It's also partly the challenge of still being able to find something new and fresh.

21. Do you believe the WWE should reinstate “King of the Ring” as a fully fledged PPV?

Joel:  Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael: Absolutely, even if it means ditching a couple of the other "lesser ones". Like Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, it's a winning concept that draws attention, builds for the future by elevating people, and also is unique enough to appeal to people who don't want to shell out for the same routine every month.

22. What is your favorite PPV of all time?

Joel: That is hard for me to answer.  The PPV I always watch no matter what is the royal rumble.  It is my favorite match of all time.  However, if we are speaking greatest single PPV of all time…it would be either Wrestlemania four where Savage won the tourney or Wrestlemania ten with the Hart’s toe to toe.  My favorite match though was in Mania 13 with Austin and Hart.

Michael: I have a soft spot for Fully Loaded 2000, which I feel is vastly underrated. The top liner was absolutely terrific, Chris Benoit vs. The Rock, Benoit's first WWE PPV main event. A fine story heading into this really captured fans' imaginations, and elevated Benoit, whilst perfectly enhancing The Rock's role as Champion. Triple H's bout with Jericho was also tremendous, and one of my favourite bouts of that year. Jericho really turned it up a notch, and was the perfect foil for Hunter, who was on the best role of his career. Some bemoaned the loss Jericho endured, but come on- he was on fire coming off this great match, and the underdog can't win every time. Plus, it had been ages since HHH had a clean victory. Meanwhile, Val took on Rikishi in one of the best efforts of either man's career, inside a steel cage. Overall though, aside from the weak Undertaker/Angle bout, it was just a really satisfying show, that highlighted the strength of the WWE roster, in mid-2000.

Others include WM 8,The first couple of Survivor Series', King of the Ring 93, Canadian Stampede, Summerslam 98, Backlash 00,Summerslam 00 (most of 2000 actually),WM17, WM19, No Mercy 01, Summerslam 02, Survivor Series 02, Vengeance 05. Sheesh, and that's only covering WWE... ahhh there's loads. TNA have a long way to go before the reach the caliber of those however.

23. What is your favorite gimmick Stipulation?

Joel:  Well as I said before The Rumble is my favorite but if we are looking for another gimmick match that can be on any given night I’d go with Hell in the Cell.

Michael: It's hard to say, as so many have been diluted by overexposure (hell in a cell- ladder matches- last man standing, Steel Cage, now the Elimination chamber). When I was younger, the Hell In A Cell's, and ladder bouts were the ones I anticipated most.

I like basically any stipulation matches, if they're used sparingly, and in appropriate circumstances. For example, I’m no fan of Barbed Wire matches but could appreciate them in the right scenario (I.e. Corin/Homicide in ROH), and not when used as they are in TNA, and in Indy feds.

I do like the old fashioned ones... 2/3 falls bouts, and Submission matches. They're criminally underutilized, whilst the likes of the steel cage match, has been butchered beyond belief. 

24. Do you think TNA has any idea how to book stipulation matches?

Joel:  Not really, but they are learning.

Michael: No, the fact that Lockdown exists being proof of that. Also see the majority of Abyss' TNA career, and the ridiculous number of Ultimate X bouts that have taken place. TNA is abysmal at booking gimmick matches, and along with their inability to consistently develop, and execute feuds, is their biggest dilemma.

25. If Wrestlemania truly represented the greatest wrestlers in the world and only allowed the very best to be on the show, who deserves to be there? (This can include ROH and TNA)

Joel: HHH, John Cena. Jeff Hardy, MVP, Edge, Undertaker, Samoa Joe, Team 3D, London and Kendrick, LAX, Awesome Kong, Candice Michelle, The Briscoe Brothers, and Kurt Angle.

Michael: I'll stick with guys who are still wrestling or could be today, and not go the fantasy route. It also depends on how many spots there'd be etc...

Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa, Takeshi Morishima, Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Naomichi Marafuji, Edge, Undertaker, Triple H, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, Wagner Jr., John Cena, Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, AJ Styles, Sarah Del Rey, Sarah Stock, Briscoes, MCMG, Tanahashi and Yuji Nagata, Mistico are all people I’d like to have there. But it just wouldn't be possible.

I'd probably have a multiperson women's bout- Kong vs. Sarah Stock vs. Del Rey vs. James

An international tag- Marafuji and KENTA vs. Mistico and Wagner Jr., A proper four way tag, with The World's Greatest Tag Team, The Briscoes, Motor City Machine Guns, and Paul London and Brian Kendick...Some sort of Ladder match, with Van Dam, Mysterio, Styles, and a few others, Lesnar vs. Joe, Kobashi vs. Angle, Punk vs. Cena, Misawa vs. Michaels.. and now I really am getting into fantasy land... you get the picture.

26. Which Pro-wrestlers in history do you admire most?

Joel: Bret Hart is one of my favorites.  I guess my all time favorites would be Andre the Giant, Fabulous Moolah, and Bobby Heenan.  I am also a really big fan of Edge; The Hardy’s and Team 3D.  I also admire Taz a lot for his contributions both inside the ring and at the table.  Demolition was really big for me growing up. Honestly, Paul Heyman would be on this list too.

Michael: I'll not go into the who's and why's of each, as there are disappointments regarding almost everyone. But these are the guys who for some reason or another, I admire their work most.

Bret Hart, The Dynamite Kid, Curt Henning, Bobby Heenan, The Rock, Vader, Randy Savage, Ric Flair, Ted Dibiase, The Original Tiger Mask, Roddy Piper, Rick Rude, Shawn Michaels, Bam Bam Bigelow, Kenta Kobashi, Misawa, Arn Anderson, The Great Muta, Chris Benoit, Mick Foley, Steve Austin, Dusty Rhodes, Billy Graham, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Owen Hart, CM Punk. I've probably missed a few...

27. What one person who is retired or not working TNA, WWE or ROH would you like to see make a full time comeback?

Joel:  Rob Van Dam.

Michael: The Rock

28. Is the WWE’s hall of fame relevant or is it just a piece of fluff?

Joel:  It is the most relevant HOF we have as wrestling fans and I think that the WWE really does honor those who deserve it.

Michael: It's currently pitched somewhere in-between. It should be more important and significant than it is, however politics have dictated the position it's in. The main issue is, that there are two many people in there, and many whom deserve to be, absent. Randy Savage being the oft-used example of someone who should immediately be inducted. As it stands, it's more of an event and celebration for the wrestlers involved than for us. A night out for the in-crowd really.

29. Should Ric Flair be the sole participant of this year’s hall of fame?

Joel:  No.  However I do think that it should surround him.  Meaning that, those people who were in his life like Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard should be going in the same year.  Steamboat for sure…

Michael: No, I don't think so. I don't see why Flair should be treated in that way over the likes of others who have been inducted, such as Bret Hart, and Hulk Hogan. Especially as Flair, if you take his WWE career into consideration only, as has happened with many inductees, wouldn't garner inclusion.  It should be regarded as an enormous deal, and the number of folk inducted should be reduced to one or two, but I say that every year.

30. Any thing you’d like to add???

Joel:  Yeah, stay a wrestling fan for as long as you can kiddies…it makes life just about bearable. And to Michael…thanks for doing this man, it was an honor and a privilege.  I would love to do this again sometime!

Michael: Just that this has been an enjoyable discussion that I’d hope to repeat. My head is buzzing from trying to cover a ridiculous array of topics in such a short space of time. I'd also like to implore any PWInsider-xtra readers to give us as much feedback as possible, and keep us talking about subjects that people want to read about. Thanks!

 

You can talk to Joel at www.myspace.com/JoelCroyle

Michael can be contacted at bazilalfonso@hotmail.com and welcomes all feedback, or alternatively, can be found lurking on facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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